Senior Division, No. 282, Fourth Quarter, 1965

_k„

1, (4.



THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY

"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on

mind and character."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 132.

"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study

of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give

vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's

Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a

nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—

Steps to Christ,

page go.

My Daily Lesson Study Pledge

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge

myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school

lesson each day of the week.

Nana



Lesson Titles for the Quarter

What Is the Church?

The Purpose and Function of the Church

The Divine Leader of the Church

Christ's Representative on Earth

.5.



The Human Leaders of the Church

Objectives and Methods of Church Organization

Authority and Discipline in the Church

The Spiritual Life of Church Members

The Ordinances of the Church

10.

The Church at Worship

11.

God's Plan for Financing Church Activities

12.

Unity in Christ

13.

The Church in the Last Days

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 282, October-December, 1965. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a

year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.

by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View,

California 94041. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579

requested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.

Printed in U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

THE CHURCH IN THE CHRISTIAN ERA

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

"The church is God's fortress, His city

of refuge, which He holds in a revolted

world. . . .

"Enfeebled and defective as it may ap-

pear, the church is the one object upon

which God bestows in a special sense His su-

preme regard. It is the theater of His grace,

in which He delights to reveal His power

to transform hearts."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 11, 12.

"Nothing else in this world is so dear to

God as His church. Nothing is guarded by

Him with such jealous care. Nothing so

offends God as an act that injures the in-

fluence of those who are doing His service."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, page 42.

"God has a church on earth who are

lifting up the downtrodden law, and pre-

senting to the world the Lamb of God that

taketh away the sins of the world. The

church is the depositary of the wealth of

the riches of the grace of Christ, and

through the church eventually will be made

manifest the final and full display of the

love of God to the world that is to be

lightened with its glory. The prayer of

Christ that His church may be one as He

was one with His Father will finally be

answered. The rich dowry of the Holy

Spirit will be given, and through its con-

stant supply to the people of God they

will become witnesses in the world of the

power of God unto salvation."—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

page 50.

Lesson 1, for October 2, 1965

What is the Church?

MEMORY VERSE:

"And hath put all things under His feet, and gave

Him to be the

head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that

filleth all in all." Eph. 1:22, 23.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 412-414; "Testimonies to Ministers,"

pages 15-23; "The Acts of the Apostles," pages 595, 596; "S.D.A. Bible Com-

mentary."

STUDY AIM:

To discover the teaching of the Bible concerning the nature of the

church.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;



study helps.



begin learning memory verse.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.



Sunday: Questions 1-3.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

Monday: Questions 4-7.



❑



helps.

Tuesday: Questions 8-10; read from



Friday: Review entire lesson.

[ 3 ]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Body of Christ

Various meanings of the word

"church" in the New Testament.

Local churches, a part of the

universal church. 1 Cor. 1:2.

All members make up the body of

Christ. Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12;

Rom. 12:4, 5.

II. The Household of God

The reconciled enter the household

of God. Eph. 2:18, 19.

Includes more than human beings.

Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.

The function of angels in the

household. Heb. 1:13, 14; Ps. 34:7.

God's gracious purpose for human

beings. Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.

Membership, possible only through

Christ. Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.

Man's part in becoming a member.

2 Cor. 6:17, 18; John 1:12.

10.

The bond of love unites the family.

1 John 4:7, 10, 11.

III. The Temple of God

11.

The church, a temple of God.

Eph. 2:21.

12.

Jesus, the Cornerstone. Eph. 2:20;

1 Cor. 3:11.

13.

Christians, "living stones" in the

temple. 1 Peter 2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.

14.

The Holy Spirit quarries and

builds. Eph. 2:22.

THE LESSON

Introduction



ANSWER.—(a) Gatherings for worship,

1 Cor. 11:18; 14:4, 28, 35.

The Greek word translated as "church"

throughout the New Testament is

ekklesia.

It was used as anciently as the time of

Homer for any regularly called or sum-

moned assembly. Greek dictionaries define

it as "an assembly of citizens regularly

convened." See Acts 19:32 for this use of

the word. Literally, it means "a calling

out." The common use of this word among

Greeks was as a verb meaning "to hold or

to summon an assembly."

When the number of Jews living in

Greek-speaking lands became large, before

the birth of Christ, the Old Testament was

translated into the Greek language, begin-

ning with the third century B.c. In this

translation, now commonly called the

Septuagint, the word

ekklesia

was used to

translate the Hebrew word

qahal,

which in

the Old Testament designates assemblies of

Hebrews, and also was used for the entire

community of Israel (Deut. 4:10; 9:10;

23:7, 8; Judges 20:2). Thus, when the

New Testament was written, the word

ekklesia

was well-known as a Greek des-

ignation for God's people.

The Body of Christ

1. In what various ways is the

word "church" used in the New

Testament?

(b)

Of local Christian groups or con-

gregations, as the totality of Christians

living in one place, Matt. 18:17; Acts 5:11;

8:3; and with the name added, Acts 8:1;

Rom. 16:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; and of house

congregations, Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19.

"Church" is not used in the New Testament

to designate specifically a building. During

the first few centuries of the Christian Era

Christians generally were not permitted to

erect places of worship; they met in homes

or any building they could get that would

accommodate them.

(c)

Of the entire body of Christians,

the church universal to which all believers

belong, Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph.

1:22; 5:25, 27, 32;1 Tim. 3:15; Heb. 12:23.

How does Paul state the fact

that a local church is a part of God's

universal church 1 Cor. 1:2.

What else is the church called?

Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:12; Rom. 12:4, 5.

NOTE.—The church is a brotherhood of

believers, a spiritual communion, a loving

[4]

fellowship of those whom God accepts as

sons and daughters, and who, joined to

Christ, the Head of the church, are His

body, His covenant community. The church

may exist in a visible company in Jeru-

salem, Tokyo, Bombay, Rio de Janeiro,

or Centerville. All these are equally the

church, for they share in the life of Christ,

the Head of the church body; they are

founded upon Him and guided by Him.

The most essential characteristic of the

living church is Jesus Christ's abiding in

the minds and hearts of those who have

accepted Him as their Saviour, who love

Him and one another. It is a life union

between Christ and His people, created by

the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit.

The Household of God

Into what home are those

brought who have been reconciled to

God? Eph. 2:18, 19.

Who else besides God's children

on this earth make up the church of

God? Eph. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:22-24.

NOTE.—"The church of God below is one

with the church of God above. Believers

on the earth and the beings in heaven who

have never fallen constitute one church.

Every heavenly intelligence is interested in

the assemblies of the saints who on earth

meet to worship God. In the inner court

of heaven they listen to the testimony of

the witnesses for Christ in the outer court

on earth, and the praise and thanksgiving

from the worshipers below is taken up in

the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoic-

ing sound through the heavenly courts

because Christ has not died in vain for

the fallen sons of Adam. While angels

drink from the fountainhead, the saints on

earth drink of the pure streams flowing

from the throne, the streams that make

glad the city of our God. Oh, that we

could all realize the nearness of heaven to

earth

!"—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 366.

What special function or duty

in the household of God has been

assigned to the angels? Heb. 1:13, 14;

Ps. 34:7.

NoTE.—"The Lord gives to every angel

his work for this fallen world. Divine

help is provided for men and women. . .

"The angels of God are communicating

with and guarding His people, and are

pressing back the powers of darkness that

they shall not have any control over those

who shall be heirs of salvation. Are we

working in harmony with the angels?

This is the line of communication the Lord

has established with the children of men.

"The Lord Jesus has a special work

appointed for each of the angelic family."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible

Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 923.

"When the earthborn children know it

not, they have angels of light as their

companions. A silent witness guards every

soul that lives, seeking to draw that soul

to Christ. As long as there is hope, until

men resist the Holy Spirit to their eternal

ruin, they are guarded by heavenly intel-

ligences."—Testimonies, Vol. 6, pages 366,

367.

"His angels are appointed to watch over

us, and if we put ourselves under their

guardianship, then in every time of danger

they will be at our right hand. When un-

consciously we are in danger of exerting

a wrong influence, the angels will be by

our side, prompting us to a better course,

choosing our words for us, and influencing

our

actions."—Christ's Object Lessons,

pages 341, 342.

Why should Christians be espe-

cially grateful to the heavenly Father?

Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 4:4-6.

"Infinite love—how great it is!

God

made the world to enlarge heaven. He

desires a larger family of created intelli-

gences. . . .

"God created man for His own glory,

that after test and trial the human family

might become one with the heavenly fam-

ily. It was God's purpose to repopulate

heaven with the human family, if they

would show themselves obedient to His

every word."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol.

1, pp.

1081,

1082.

[ 6]

How only can human beings

become members of God's household?

Eph. 2:12, 13, 16, 18.

What is our part in the process

of becoming members of God's fam-

ily? 2 Cor. 6:17, 18; John 1:12.

10.

What bond holds the members

of God's household together? 1 John

4:7, 10,

11.

The Temple of God

11.

What other symbol is used to

describe the church?

Eph. 2:21.

12.

What central position does

Jesus Christ have in this temple? Eph.

2:20; 1 Cor. 3:11.

13.

Who are the stones in this

temple?

1 Peter

2:5; 1 Cor. 3:16.

14.

Who is the heavenly agent in

the building of the temple? Eph. 2:22.

NOTE.—"The Spirit is given as a regen-

erating agency, to make effectual the

salvation wrought by the death of our

Redeemer. . . .

"If men• are willing to be molded, there

will be brought about a sanctification of

the whole being. The Spirit will take the

things of God and stamp them on the

soul."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

52, 53.

"The Holy Spirit is to animate and per-

vade the whole church, purifying and

cementing

hearts."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9,

p. 20.

"They are living stones, quarried out

from the world by the truth; and the

great Master Builder, the Lord of the

temple, is now hewing and polishing them,

and fitting them for their respective places

in the spiritual temple. When completed,

this temple will be perfect in all its parts,

the admiration of angels and of men; for

its Builder and Maker is God."—Ellen G.

White Comments,

S.D A. Bible Commen-

tary,

Vol. 2, p. 1029.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Do I appreciate God's graciousness in

adopting me into His family?

Do I cooperate with the angels as they

seek to influence my mind away from evil

and toward heavenly things?

Do I love the members of God's fam-

ily among whom I live?

Lesson 2, for October 9, 1965

The Purpose and Function of the Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did

beseech you by us:

pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

2 Cor. 5:20.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 9-16; "Prophets and Kings,"

pages 259, 260, 713-720; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To seek to learn the purpose for which God established the church,

and the major responsibility of each member.

]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from

study helps.

Tuesday: Questions 7-12.

Check Here

Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read

from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.



Friday: Review entire lesson.



Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. An Agency for Calling Men Back

to God

Calling out a people for His name.

Acts 15:12-17.

Ministry of reconciliation.

2 Cor. 5:18, 19.

The basic message. 2 Cor. 5:20, 21.

The effect of this message. Titus

3:3-7.

II. A Home in Which Believers are

Strengthened

5. Salvation a continuing process.

Acts 2:41-47.

6. A place for sanctifying and perfect-

ing. Eph. 5:25-27.

III. A Means for Vindicating God and

Accomplishing His Work

7. A demonstration to heavenly

beings. Eph. 3:10, 11.

8. Witness. Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15.

9. Preaching. Mark 16:15.

10. Teaching. Matt. 28:19, 20.

11. Service. Heb. 6:10; Matt. 25:37-40.

12. Fellowship. 1 John 1:3.

IV. The Church's Resources

13. Gifts of the Spirit. Eph. 4:11, 12.

14. The effect of the gifts. Eph. 4:15, 16.

THE LESSON

NoTE.-To the disciples, the represent-

atives of the church, Jesus said, "As My

Father hath sent Me, even so send I you."

John 20:21. Jesus had previously stated

His mission: "For the Son of man is come

to seek and to save that which was lost."

Luke 19:10. The purpose of the church,

therefore, is clear: She exists to help men

find their way back to God. "The church

is God's appointed agency for the salvation

of men. It was organized for service, and

its mission is to carry the gospel to the

world."-The

Acts of the Apostles,

page 9.

2. What ministry has God assigned

to the church? 2 Cor. 5:18, 19.

Introduction

"From the beginning it has been God's

plan that through His church shall be

reflected to the world His fullness and His

sufficiency. The members of the church,

those whom He has called out of darkness

into His marvelous light, are to show forth

His glory. The church is the repository of

the riches of the grace of Christ; and

through the church will eventually be made

manifest, even to 'the principalities and

powers in heavenly places,' the final and

full display of the love of God."-The

Acts

of the Apostles,

page 9.

An Agency for Calling Men

Back to God

1. What was God's objective in

sending certain apostles to the Gen-

tiles? Acts 15:12-17.

3. What simple witness must be

borne to the unconverted? 2 Cor.

5:20, 21. Compare Col. 1:19-22.

]

What marvelous transforma-

tions take place when the church

fulfills its ministry of reconciliation

for the lost? Titus 3:3-7. Compare

Eph. 2:1-6.

A Home in Which Believers

Are Strengthened

What experience in the early

church indicates a ministry for the

members as well as for the lost? Acts

2:41-47.

NOTE.—A person who accepts Christ is

justified, or forgiven, by faith in Christ.

However, he still has weaknesses in his

character that need to be rectified. He

needs to gain a victory over certain bad

habits, to grow in spiritual knowledge and

perception, and to develop his talents for

Chriitian service. This work, which the

Bible calls sanctification, is a continuous

process that results in the believer's be-

coming more and more like Jesus as time

goes by. The church will not prosper unless

it provides help for its members in this

groving, maturing process.

How will Christ prepare a

church that is acceptable to Him?

Eph. 5:25-27. Compare Eph. 3:16-19.

Nom—The church is a God-ordained

fellowship in which believers may find

warmth, love, encouragement, and spiritual

strengthening. The church militant is not

a showcase for perfected, sinless saints; it

is a household of brotherhood in which

sincere men and women may receive the

help they need to grow to full Christian

maturity. By informing the mind, strength-

ening the faith, and fanning the energies

to greater zeal, the church performs a

redemptive function for its own members

and helps to restore in them the image and

mind of Christ. The church, therefore, is

both a means through which God works

to extend the gospel invitation to all men

and a home into which they are brought

to be perfected.

A Means for Vindicating God's

Program and Accomplishing

His Work

To whom is the church a dem-

onstration of the wisdom and the

righteousness of God? Eph. 3:10, 11.

Compare Eph. 1:6; 2:6, 7.

NOTE.—"But the plan of redemption had

a yet broader and deeper purpose than

the salvation of man. It was not for this

alone that Christ came to the earth; it was

not merely that the inhabitants of this

little world might regard the law of God

as it should be regarded; but it was to

vindicate the character of God before

the

universe."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 68.

As witnesses for Christ, what

should church members be ready to

do at all times? Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15.

What is another mission of the

church? Mark 16:15.

NoTE.—This scripture contains two of

the most vital words having to do with the

work of the church. The first of these,

"preach," is from the Greek word meaning

to publish abroad, to proclaim, to an-

nounce openly and publicly. The apostle

Paul stated the central place of the preach-

ing of the gospel in these words, "It pleased

God by the foolishness of preaching to save

them that believe." 1 Cor. 1:21. Down

through the centuries multitudes have been

won to Christ through this medium, espe-

cially when the ministers follow the ex-

ample of Paul and preach the "unsearchable

riches of Christ." Eph. 3:8. The second

important word is "gospel," which means,

literally, "glad tidings" or "joyful news."

No better tidings could be brought to man

than that God loves him, that Christ died

in his place, and that eternal life in God's

kingdom is his for the asking.

Es]

10.

What other means has God

appointed the church for achieving

her objective? Matt. 28:19, 20.

NOTE.—The Christian faith speaks to

man's heart; it also speaks to his mind;

To groir in grace, to mature spiritually, a

follower of the Lord should have a correct

understanding of the Christian faith, and

this he acquires by study and by being

taught. Witnessing and preaching have

their rightful place; so does the instruction

of those who become followers of the

Master. The word "doctrine" that occurs

so often in the New Testament is but the

noun form of the verb "teach" (see Acts

2:42; 5:28; 13:12), which Jesus used when

He commanded the church to "Go,

. . .

teach all nations: . . .

teaching

them to

observe all things whatsoever I have com-

manded you." Every Adventist church,

no matter how small, must accept its

responsibility to help in this task of

teaching the Christian faith to all nations.

No person or congregation adequately

confesses Christ if content to confess Him

only in the church congregation, or in the

immediate neighborhood.

11.

What is a fourth channel of

activity the followers of the Lord

may use to help the church accom-

plish its purposes? Heb. 6:10; Matt.

25:37-40. Compare Rev. 2:19.

NoTE.—The Greek word

diakonia

sometimes translated in the English Bible

as ministry, minister, service, serving, et cet-

era. From the same root word we get "dea-

con." It may all be summed up in the term

"Christian service"; and this is one of

the means through which God works to

reach the hearts of people. True religion,

the Bible tells us, is expressed by visiting

the fatherless and the widows in their

affliction, feeding the hungry, healing the

sick, providing clothing for the destitute,

and helping those who cannot help them-

selves. Those who testify to their Lord by

such services are following in a Heaven-

appointed channel of church activity.

12.

In what other way may the

church fulfill her function of winning

men to the Lord and strengthening

them in the faith? 1 John 1:3.

NoTE.—Through the fellowship of Chris-

tian brethren, through the intercommuni-

cation of mind with mind, by means of

discourse on their mutual faith and hope,

by means of the effective influence of the

personality touching the life of another, by

joint participation in Christian service and

in proper recreation some men are drawn

to Christ for the first time, and others who

already acknowledge Him are strength-

ened. The power of Christian fellowship

as a means for accomplishing the church's

mission is not fully appreciated.

The Church's Resources

13.

In addition to the personal

witness that all genuine Christians

bear, what special provision did God

make to enable the church to fulfill

its purpose? Eph. 4:11, 12.

NoTE.—The diversity of gifts of the

Spirit to the church indicates that it is to

accomplish its task by a variety of means.

Evangelism consists of anything the church

may do that results in winning men and

women to Christ and establishing them in

the faith.

"Christ has given to His church ample

facilities, that He may receive a large

revenue of glory from His redeemed, pur-

chased possession. He has bestowed upon

His people capabilities and blessings that

they may represent His own sufficiency.

The church, endowed with the righteous-

ness of Christ, is His depositary, in which

the riches of His mercy, His grace, and His

love, are to appear in full and final dis-

play."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 680.

14.

When each member of the

body of Christ uses the graces and

gifts that the Spirit gives him, what

takes place in the church?

Eph.

15, 16.

C9]

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Did I

witness to anyone this week

concerning my faith in Christ?

Am I accepting my responsibility as

an ambassador for God? and do I represent

Him properly?

Have I ever urged anyone to be

reconciled to God? How much longer am

I going to wait to do this?

Lesson 3, for October 16, 1965

The Divine Leader of the Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the begin-

ning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the

preeminence." Col. 1:18.

'STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 152-154, 175, 176; "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To examine anew the evidences of the Lordship of Jesus Christ

over the church, and to consider the relationship that should exist between

Him and the members of His body.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

Tuesday: Questions 6-9.

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 10-12.

Sunday: Questions 1-3.

❑

Thursday: Read study helps.

Monday: Questions 4, 5.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Christ, the Head of the Church

The supreme Leader. Eph. 1:22;

Col. 1:18.

Body subject to the head. Eph.

5:23 (last part), 24, first part.

By right of purchase with His own

blood. Eph. 5:25 (last part) ;

Phil. 2:5-11.

His exalted name. Phil. 2:9.

His headquarters. Heb. 8:1, 2.

II. Christ's Intercessory Work as Head

of the Church

6. Leads men to repentance. Acts

5:30, 31.

Offers forgiveness and reconcilia-

tion. Heb. 2:17; 7:25; 9:24, 28.

Provides a means of access to God.

Heb. 10:19-22; Eph. 2:18; Rom.

5:2.

Presents our prayers to the Father.

John 16:23, 24, 26.

III. Christ's Administrative Activities

10.

Commander-in-chief of the armies

of heaven. Joshua 5:13-15.

11.

Directs the work of the angels.

Ps. 91:11, 12.

12.

Guides the churches. Rev. 1:13,

16, 20.

[10

]

THE LESSON

2. What does the term "body"

signify in regard to the relationship

of the church to Christ? Eph. 5:23

(last part), 24, first part.

Introduction

"Christ did not tell His disciples that

their work would be easy. He showed them

the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against

them. . . . But they would not be left to

fight alone. He assured them that He would

be with them; and that if they would go

forth in faith, they should move under the

shield of Omnipotence. He bade them be

brave and strong; for One mightier than

angels would be in their ranks—the General

of the armies of heaven. He made full

provision for the prosecution of their work

and took upon Himseli the responsibility of

its success. So long as they obeyed His

word, and worked in connection with Him,

they could not fail. Go to all nations, He

bade them. . . .

will be with you always,

helping you to perform your duty, guiding,

comforting, sanctifying, sustaining you, giv-

ing you success .:n speaking words that shall

draw the attention of others to heaven."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 29.

The Head of the Church

1. Who is the head of the church,

and what does the term "head" sig,

nify? Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18.

NoTE.—"God has never given a hint in

His Word that He has appointed any man

to be the head of the church."—The

Great

Controversy,

page

51.

"Since His ascension Christ has carried

forward His work on the earth by chosen

ambassadors, through whom He speaks to

the children of men and ministers to their

needs. The great Head of the church super-

intends His work through the instrumen-

tality of men ordained by God to act as

His representatives."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 360.

"Consider, my brethren and sisters, that

the Lord has a people, a chosen people, His

church, to be His own, His own fortress,

which He holds in a sin-stricken, revolted

world; and He intended that no authority

should be known in it, no laws be ac-

knowledged by it, but His

own."—Testi-

monies to Ministers,

page 16.

NOTE.—"The church is built upon Christ

as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its

head. It is not to depend upon man, or

be controlled by man."—The

Desire of

Ages,

page 414.

Why was Jesus given the posi-

tion as head of the church? Eph.

5:25 (last part); Phil. 2:5-11. Compare

Acts 20:28.

How does God exalt Christ's

name? Phil. 2:9.

Where is the headquarters of

the church of Christ? Heb. 8:1, 2.

Christ's Intercessory Work as

Head of the Church

How is Christ seeking to draw

men to Himself? Acts 5:30, 31. Com-

pare Rom. 2:4.

NoTE.—"God calls every man to repent-

ance, yet man cannot even repent unless

the Holy Spirit works upon his heart. But

the Lord wants no man to wait until he

thinks he has repented before he takes

steps toward Jesus. The Saviour is contin-

ually drawing men to repentance; they

need only to submit to be drawn, and their

hearts will be melted in penitence."—Coun-

sels

to Teachers,

pages 365, 366.

As man's high priest, what is

Christ doing for the sins of the peo-

ple? Heb. 2:17; 7:25; 9:24, 28.

NoTE.—"The great Sacrifice had been

offered and had been accepted, and the

Holy Spirit which decended on the Day of

Pentecost carried the minds of the disciples

from the earthly sanctuary to the heavenly,

where Jesus had entered by His own blood,

to shed upon His disciples the benefits of

His atonement."—Early

Writings,

page 260.

What assurances do we have

that Christ's ministry for His believers

is effective? Heb. 10:19-22; Eph. 2:18;

Rom. 5:2.

NOTE.—"Jehovah did not deem the plan

of salvation complete while invested only

with His love. He has placed at His altar

an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our

Intercessor, Christ's office work is to in-

troduce us to God as His sons and daugh-

ters. He intercedes in behalf of those who

receive Him. With His own blood He has

paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits

He gives them power to become members

of the royal family, children of the heavenly

King. And the Father demonstrates His

infinite love for Christ by receiving and

welcoming Christ's friends as His friends."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 177.

To whom• should Christians

pray, and in whose name? What part

does Christ have in the prayers of His

followers? John 16:23, 24, 26.

NOTE.—"In Christ's name our petitions

ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our

behalf, and the Father lays open all the

treasures of His grace for our appropria-

tion, for us to enjoy and impart to

others. . . .

"Yes, Christ has become the medium of

prayer between man and God. He has also

become the medium of blessing between

God and

man."—Testimonies,

Vol. 8, p. 178.

Christ's Administrative Activities

10. What title anciently applied

to Christ helps to explain the work

He is doing as head of the church?

Joshua 5:13-15. Compare Matt.

26:53.

NOTE.—"Oh, that all could behold our

precious Saviour as He is,

a Saviour.

Let

His hand draw aside the veil which con-

ceals His glory from our eyes. It shows

Him in His high and holy place. What do

we see? Our Saviour, not in a position of

silence and inactivity. He is surrounded

with heavenly intelligences, cherubim, and

seraphim, ten thousand times ten thousand

of angels.

"All these heavenly beings have one

object above all others, in which they are

intensely interested—His church in a world

of corruption. All these armies are in the

service of the Prince of heaven, exalting the

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of

the world. They are working for Christ

under His commission, to save to the utter-

most all who look to Him and believe in

Him. These heavenly intelligences are

speeding on their mission, doing for Christ

that which Herod. and Pilate did against

Him. They confederate together to uphold

the honor and glorr of God. They are

united in a holy alliance, in a grand and

sublime unity of purpose, to show forth the

power and compassion and love and glory

of the crucified and risen Saviour.

"In their service, these armies of heaven

illustrate what the church of God should

be. Christ is working in their behalf in the

heavenly courts, sending out His mes-

sengers to all parts of the globe, to the

assistance of every suffering one who looks

to Him for relief, for spiritual life and

knowledge."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol.

pp. 967,

968.

11. Whom does Christ, as head of

the church, send on special missions

in behalf of His church? Ps. 91:11, 12.

Compare Acts 12:6-11; Rev. 7:1-3.

NOTE.—"Angels are belting the world,

ref using Satan his claims to supremacy,

made because of the vast multitude of his

adherents. We hear not the voices, we see

not with the natural sight the work of these

angels, but their hands are linked about the

world, and with sleepless vigilance they are

keeping the armies of Satan at bay till

the sealing of God's people shall be ac-

complished."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 967.

[12

]

12. How does John the revelator

picture Christ's relationship with His

church? Rev. 1:13, 16, 20.

NoTE.—"He [Jesus] is in constant com-

munication with His people. He knows

their true state. He observes their order,

their piety, their devotion. Although He

is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary

abo e, yet He is represented as walking up

and down in the midst of His churches-on

the earth. With untiring wakefulness and

unremitting vigilance, He watches to see

whether the light of any of His sentinels

is burning dim or going out. If the candle-

sticks were left to mere human care, the

flickering flame would languish and die;

but He is the true watchman in the Lord's

house, the true warden of the temple

courts. His continued care and sustaining

grace are the source of life and light."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 586.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Do I carefully listen to and obey the

instructions of the Lord of the church?

Am I thankful not only for the sacri-

fice of Christ in my behalf but also for His

constant ministry, which results in the

development of the church and in rich

spiritual blessings for me?

Lesson 4, for October 23, 1965

Christ's Representative on Earth

MEMORY VERSE:

"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you

from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father,

He shall testify of Me." John 15:26.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of The Apostles," pages 47-56; "The Desire of Ages,"

pages 669-672; "Testimonies to Ministers," pages 506-512; "S.D.A. Bible

Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To understand better the Holy Spirit's function in the spiritual

growth and work of the church.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD



Check Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;



Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read



begin learning memory verse.

❑



from study helps.

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑



Thursday: Finish reading study

Monday: Questions 5-8.



❑



helps.

Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read from



Friday: Review entire lesson.

study helps.



❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Coming of the Holy Spirit

1. Jesus' promise. John 14:16-18.

16:7; Luke 24:49.

Pentecost—the promise fulfilled.

Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33.

II. The Holy Spirit's Function in

Spiritual Growth

Testifies of Christ. John 15:26;

16:14.

[ 13 ]

Brings conviction and repentance.

John 16:8.

Effects transformation of life.

John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5.

Strengthens spiritually, and pro-

duces fruit. Eph. 3:16; Gal.

5:22, 23.

Teacher of truth. John 14:26;

16:13.

Unseen, but actually present.

John 14:17.

Ill. The Holy Spirit as Director of

Redemptive Activities

Satan's opposition to spiritual

regeneration. Eph. 6:11, 12. •

10.

Sources of help in this battle.

2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 6:17.

11.

Guide in the affairs of men that

affect the church. Ezek. 1:12, 16,

19, 21.

12.

Directs the church in soul win-

ning. Acts 10:19, 20; 16:6, 7;

8:26-29.

13.

Endows the church with spiri-

tual gifts. 1 Cor. 12:8-11; Eph.

4:8-12.

14.

A plea to the church: Heed

the voice of the Spirit. Rev. 2:7,

11, 17.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"In describing to His disciples the office

work of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sought to

inspire them with the joy and hope that

inspired His own heart. He rejoiced be-

cause of the abundant help He had pro-

vided for His church. The Holy Spirit was

the highest of al gifts that He could solicit

from His Father for the exaltation of His

people. The Spirit was to be given as a

regenerating

agent, and without this the

sacrifice of Christ would have been of no

avail. . . . It is the Spirit that makes

effectual what has been wrought out by

the world's Redeemer. It is by the Spirit

that the heart is made pure. Through the

Spirit the believer becomes a partaker of

the divine nature. Christ has given His

Spirit as a divine power to overcome all

hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil,

and to impress His own character upon

His church."—The

Desire of Ages,

page

671.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

1. Whom did Jesus promise to

send to the church as His represent-

ative? John 14:16-18; 16:7; Luke

24:49.

NOTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-

resentative, but divested of the personality

of humanity, and independent thereof.

Cumbered with humanity, Christ could

not be in every place personally. Therefore

it was for their interest that He should go

to the Father, and send the Spirit to be

His successor on earth. No one could then

have any advantage because of his location

or his personal contact with Christ. By

the Spirit the Saviour would be accessible

to all. In this sense He would be nearer to

them than if He had not ascended on high."

—The Desire of Ages,

page 669.

2. What signalized the enthrone.

ment of Christ as head of the church,

and the commissioning of the Holy

Spirit as His representative on earth?

Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33.

NoTE.—"Christ's ascension to heaven was

the signal that His followers were to re-

ceive the promised blessing. For this they

were to wait before they entered upon their

work. When Christ passed within the

heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst.

the adoration of the angels. As soon as this

ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit

decended upon the disciples in rich cur-

rents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even

with the glory which He had with the

Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal

outpouring was Heaven's communication

that the Redeemer's inauguration was ac-

complished. According to His promise He

had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to

141

His followers as a token that He had, as

priest and king, received all authority in

heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed

One over His people."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

pages 38, 39.

The Holy Spirit's Function

in Spiritual Growth

How did Jesus summarize the

work of the Holy Spirit? John 15:26;

16:14.

NOTE.—"The Spirit is given as a re-

generating agency, to make effectual the

salvation wrought by the death of our

Redeemer. The Spirit is constantly seeking

to draw the attention of men to the great

offering that was made on the cross of

Calvary, to unfold to the world the love

of God, and to open to the convicted soul

the precious things of the Scriptures."

—The Acts of the Apostles,

page 52.

How does the Holy Spirit pro-

ceed in His efforts to persuade men

to accept Christ as their Saviour?

John 16:8.

What does the Holy Spirit do

for the person who surrenders him-

self to God? John 3:5-8; Titus 3:5.

What will the Holy Spirit do

for the born-again Christian? Eph.

3:16; Gal. 5:22, 23.

What special commission was

given to the Holy Spirit in teaching?

John 14:26; 16:13.

NoTE.—Three times Jesus referred to the

Holy Spirit as "the Spirit of truth." John

14:17; 15:26; 16:13. All truth is a unit.

Scientific truth will not conflict with spiri-

tual truth, and vice versa. If anything is

absolutely true, it will never contradict

anything else that is true. While the Holy

Spirit is primarily a teacher of spiritual

truth, He will guide the inquiring mind

that is searching for any kind of truth.

Those who are followers of Christ should

be in the vanguard of the search for truth.

Why do many men of the world

not receive the Holy Spirit? John

14:17.

NoTE.—Because men cannot measure the

Holy Spirit by their scientific instrumen-

tation, many deny His existence. The Holy

Spirit seeks to make His presence felt upon

all men; but He is not subject to man's

control, to experiment with, contain, or

measure His power. God is too great to be

put on trial by man, on man's terms.

The Holy Spirit as Director

of Redemptive Activity

What powers attempt to inter-

fere with and to nullify the redemp-

tive activity of God? Eph. 6:11, 12.

10.

Where may the Christian find

help in his battle against evil? 2 Cor.

10:3-5; Eph. 6:17.

NoTE.—"He [Jesus] shows His followers

the conflicts they must meet; He reveals

the character and plan of the battle. . . .

They are to contend with supernatural

forces, but they are assured of super-

natural help. All the intelligences of heaven

are in this army. And more than angels are

in the ranks. The Holy Spirit, the repre-

sentative of the Captain of the Lord's host,

comes down to direct the battle."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 352.

11.

What part does the Holy Spirit

have in world affairs that affect God's

people? Ezek. 1:12, 16, 19, 21.

[ 15 ]

NoTE.—"The wheellike complications that

appeared to the prophet to be involved in

such confusion were under the guidance of

an infinite hand. The Spirit of God, re-

vealed to him as moving and directing these

wheels, brought harmony out of confusion;

so the whole world was under His control.

Myriads of glorified beings were ready at

His word to overrule the power and policy

of evil men, and bring good to His faithful

ones."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 752.

12. What indicates that the Holy

Spirit directs and guides the church

and its workers in seeking the lost?

Acts 10:19, 20; 16:6, 7; 8:26-29.

NOTE.—"No truth is more Clearly taught

in the Bible than that God by His Holy

Spirit especially directs His servants on

earth in the great movements for the

carrying forward of the work of salvation.

Men are instruments in the hand of God,

employed by Him to accomplish His pur-

poses of grace and mercy."—The

Great

Controversy,

page 343.

13.

To qualify the church to do its

work, with what gifts does the Spirit

endue the believers? 1 Cor. 12:8-11;

Eph. 4:8-12.

14.

What oft-repeated plea does

God urgently address to His churches?

Rev. 2:7, 11, 17.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Do I grieve the Holy Spirit by refusing

to allow Him to exercise His regenerating

power in certain areas of my life?

Do I sometimes try to direct the Holy

Spirit, instead of allowing Him to direct

me?

Am I at times so spiritually blind that

I fail to recognize the Holy Spirit at work

in my own heart or in the hearts of those

among whom I live and work?

Lesson 5, for October 30, 1965

The Human Leaders of the Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"He gave some, apostles; and

some, prophets; and some,

evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,

for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph.

4:11, 12.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of

the Apostles," pages 87-96, 159-165, 594; "S.D.A.

Bible Dictionary," articles "Bishop," "Deacon," and "Elder."

STUDY AIM:

learn more about God's plan for the human leadership of His

church on earth.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Sunday; Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5-9.



❑

Tuesday: Questions 10-12.



❑

Check

Here

Wednesday: Questions

13, 14:read

from study helps.

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

[16]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. God's Spiritual Gifts to the Church

The gifts named. 1 Cor. 12:28,

8-10.

The purpose of the gifts. 1 Cor.

12:11, 12, 25; Eph. 4:12, 13.

11. Spiritual Gifts That Qualify for

Leadership

General leadership positions. Eph.

4:11.

Administrators. 1 Cor. 12:28.

Administrative leaders are called

elders. 1 Tim. 5:17.

Elders are also called bishops.

Titus 1:5-7.

Deacons. 1 Tim. 3:8, 13.

111. Requisite Qualifications for Officers

8. For elders. 1 Tim. 3:2-7; Titus

1:5-9.

9. For deacons. 1 Tim. 3:8-13.

IV. Choosing and Accrediting Leaders

10. Methods of choosing. Acts 6:1-7;

14:23.

11. Ordination and its significance.

Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14.

12. Leaders to discharge their obliga-

tion diligently. James 5:10 ;

Titus 2:7.

13. The church to esteem its leaders.

1 Tim. 1:12 ; 1 Peter 5:1-4.

14. Leaders to serve thankfully, will-

ingly, humbly. 1 Thess. 5:12, 13 ;

2 Tim. 4:1, 2.

THE LESSON

Introduction

The vital importance of good leadership

for the church is evident from the fact that

Jesus began His church by selecting and

training leaders. "With the calling of John

and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and

Nathanael, began the foundation of the

Christian church."-The

Desire of Ages,

page 141.

Moreover, "It was at the ordination of

the Twelve that the first step was taken in

the organization of the church that after

Christ's departure was to carry on His

work on the earth."-The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 18.

In order to equip men for spiritual work,

the Holy Spirit gives them spiritual gifts,

"dividing to every man severally as He

will." 1 Cor. 12:11. All Christians receive

some gift of the Spirit to enable them to

have a part in extending the kingdom of

God; but certain believers are endued with

Spirit-given special qualities, which, though

they seem to be natural to the individual,

are appropriated by the Spirit, increased in

quantity, and sanctified for God's use.

"As His representatives among men,

Christ does not choose angels who have

never fallen, but human beings, men of like

passions with those they seek to save.

Christ took upon Himself humanity, that

He might reach humanity."-The

Desire of

Ages,

page 296.

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels,

to show that the transcendent power be-

longs to God and not to us." 2 Cor. 4:7,

R.S.V.

God's Spiritual Gifts to the Church

What spiritual gifts does the

Holy Spirit place in the church? 1 Cor.

12:28, 8-10.

For what purpose are these gifts

bestowed? How long are they to

remain in the church? 1 Cor. 12:11,

12, 25; Eph. 4:12, 13.

Spiritual Gifts That Qualify

for Leadership

For what positions of leader-

ship in the church do the gifts of the

Spirit qualify men? Eph. 4:11.

[17

NoTE.—"Apostle" is a word of Greek

derivation and means "one sent forth"; as

the name indicates, apostles were men sent

forth by the church on great preaching

missions.

There is no greater position in life than

that of spiritual leadership, by means of

which the gospel is preached and taught,

sinners are confronted with the claims of

God, souls are saved from sin, and the

weak are made strong. Persons possessing

and excercising these gifts—apostles, evan-

gelists, prophets, pastors, teachers—may or

may not hold elective administrative offices

in the church. They are the consecrated

Christians who magnify the gift God has

given them by bearing a witness that leads

men to accept Christ and to become strong

in the faith.

Which spiritual gift qualifies a

person for administrative responsi-

bilities in the church? 1 Cor.

12:28.

NOTE.—Instead of "governments," the

Revised Standard Version reads "adminis-

trators." The word Paul used here means

to steer, to act as helmsman, to guide. In

any fellowship or organization there is

great need for persons having administrative

abilities to help the group organize for its

work, to counsel, to lay plans, to direct, to

maintain order, to prevent confusion, and

to serve as chairmen and as public func-

tionaries representing the group.

In New Testament times, what

were men called who were chosen to

be administrative as well as spiritual

leaders in the churches? 1 Tim. 5:17.

NoTE.—The term "elder" arose from the

fact that in the ancient East only men who

had attained a long maturity could com-

mand the respect necessary to be chosen by

the people to represent them. In the Old Tes-

tament, elders made up the ruling tribunal

in Israel. See Ex. 4:29; Judges 8:14. They

were generally the elected representatives of

the people. In the time of Jesus, the rulers

of the synagogues were called elders, as

were also certain members of the Sanhe-

drin. It was only natural, therefore, that

the early Christians used this title for the

men whom they chose as chairmen of their

meetings, as the principal administrating

officers and representatives of the church.

See 1 Peter 5:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1.

By what other name were the

elders called? Titus 1:5-7.

NOTE.—It is evident from Titus 1:5-7 that

elders were also called bishops. "Bishop"

comes from a Greek word meaning "over-

seer," "superintendent," or, in an extended

sense, "president." This is shown in Acts

20:17, 28, where the elders of Ephesus are

admonished to take heed to the flock "over

the which the Holy Spirit bath made you

overseers,"

which is the identical Greek

word elsewhere translated as "bishop."

From the qualifications required of bishops,

it is evident that they were the adminis-

trative as well as the spiritual leaders of

the churches. 1 Tim. 3:2-5. The term "el-

der" evidently was the title of the office,

while the name "bishop" (overseer) in-

dicated the function of the office.

What other officers are men-

tioned as functioning in the early

church? 1 Tim. 3:8, 13.

NOTE.—"Deacon" is a transliteration of

the Greek word

diakonos,

which means

a waiter, servant, minister, helper. Both

Jesus and Paul used this word of them-

selves. See Matt. 20:28; Col. 1:25; 1 Cor.

3:5; Eph. 3:7. Paul used the term somewhat

as an equivalent of our word "minister"

today, although the office early came to

include supervision of church property,

finances, caring for the poor, visiting the

sick, as well as preaching the Word. The

seven men elected by the church at Jeru-

salem to fulfill these functions were un-

doubtedly deacons, although the Bible does

not explicitly call them such. See Acts

6:1-6, and

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages

89, 90.

Requisite Qualifications for

Church Officers

What are the Bible requisites

for elders (or bishops)? 1 Tim. 3:2-7;

Titus 1:5-9.

What are the requisites for a

deacon? 1 Tim. 3:8-13.

Choosing and Accrediting Leaders

10.

How were the elders and

deacons chosen in the early church?

Acts 6:1-7; 14:23.

NOTE.—"The church accordingly selected

seven men full of faith and the wisdom of

the Spirit of God, to attend to the business

pertaining to the cause."—The

Story of

Redemption,

page 260.

11.

How does the church accredit

or ordain the ones chosen to be lead-

ers in the preaching of the Word?

Acts 13:3; 1 Tim. 4:14.

NOTE.—"Paul and Barnabas had already

received their commission from God Him-

self, and the ceremony of the laying on of

hands added no new grace or virtual qual-

ification. It was an acknowledged form of

designation to an appointed office and a

recognition of one's authority in that office.

By it the seal of the church was set upon

the work of God."—The

Acts of the Apos-

tles,

pages 161, 162.

12.

When the church calls a person

to devote his life to its service, how

should he respond? James 5:10; Titus

2:7.

13.

How is the church to regard its

leaders and all who are utilizing the

spiritual gifts granted them? 1 Tim.

1:12; 1 Peter 5:1-4.

14.

What should the church ex-

pect from the leaders? 1 Thess. 5:12,

13;

2‘ Tim. 4:1, 2.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Do I regard the officers in my church

as God-appointed?

Recognizing that God has to use

"earthen vessels," will I criticize the leaders

He has chosen to have the oversight of the

church?

Be sure to read page 594 in

The Acts

of the Apostles.

Lesson 6, for November 6, 1965

Objectives and Methods of Church Organization

MEMORY VERSE:

"In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto

an holy temple in the Lord." Eph. 2:21.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 188-200; "Testimonies to

Ministers," pages 24-32; "Gospel Workers," pages 481-490; "S.D.A. Bible

Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To study the Biblical principles of church organization, and to see

how those principles are applied in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

[ 19 ]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read

begin learning memory verse.

❑

further from study helps.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-13.

❑

Monday: Questions 6-8; begin

Thursday: Finish



reading



study

reading study helps.

❑

helps.

❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Organization in the New Testament

Church

A general church council was called.

Acts 15:1, 2,

The council adopted general

policies. Acts 15:22-29.

The churches abode by the council's

decision. Acts 15:30, 31; 16:4, 5.

Members were added and dropped.

Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5; Matt.

18:17.

Other indications of organization.

(See answer to question.)

II. Organization Exists to Expedite the

Church's Work

6. God desires order in His work.

1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

Organization makes use of

specialized abilities. 1 Cor.

12:14-17.

The folly of noncooperation. 1 Cor.

12:18-21.

A fundamental principle of

cooperation. 1 Peter 5:5.

10.

United effort accomplishes more.

Eph. 4:16.

III. Kind of Organization

11.

The organization, an orderly

growth. Eph. 2:21, first part.

12.

The organization must be demo-

cratic. Acts 1:21-23; 6:3-5.

13.

Our denominational organization,

based on the local church.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Christ would have His followers brought

together in church capacity, observing order,

having rules and discipline, and all subject

one to another, esteeming others better than

themselves. Union and confidence are es-

sential to the prosperity of the church. If

each member of the church feels at liberty

to move independently of the others, taking

his own peculiar course, how can the

church be in any safety

the hour of

danger and peril? Th prosperity and very

existence of a church depend upon the

prompt, united action and mutual con-

fidence of its members."—T

estimonies,

Vol.

3, p. 445.

Organization in the New

Testament Church

When the unity of the local

church was threatened by serious

division of opinion over a certain

doctrine, what steps did the leaders of

the local church take to solve the

problem? Acts 15:1, 2, 6.

What steps did the apostles and

elders take to meet the problem and

[ 20 ]

convey the decision to the church?

Acts 15:22-29.

In what spirit did the churches

receive the decision, and with what

result? Acts 15:30, 31; 16:4, 5.

What indications are there that

local churches in New Testament

times had definite memberships? Acts

2:47; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5; Matt. 18:17.

NoTE.—The fact that churches added

members and dropped members indicates

that there must have been organized

churches with definite memberships.

What intimations are there that

local churches developed ties with

one another?

ANSWER.—

(a)

Churches in widely scat-

tered countries had officers bearing the

same names, and apparently with com-

monly accepted qualifications. Acts 14:23;

Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 5:17; James 5:14.

(b)

There were geographical groups of

churches. Gal. 1:1, 2 ; 2 Cor. 8:1; 9:2.

(c)

On occasion these groups of churches

joined in electing special delegates to ac-

company Paul (2 Cor. 8:19; Acts 20:4)

and interchanged letters they received from

the apostle. Col. 4:16.

(d)

Members were given letters of com-

mendation. Rom. 16:1, 2; 1 Cor. 16:3;

2 Cor. 8:19.

(e)

Pastors were transferred from one

church to another. 1 Tim. 1:3. Compare

2 Tim. 4:9, 10, 12; Titus 1:5.

(f)

Local churches had organized wel-

fare plans with rules concerning who was

eligible for relief. 1 Tim. 5:9, 16; 1 Cor.

16:1-5; Rom. 15:25, 26.

NOTE.—AS in the formative stage of any

group, there was doubtless some variety of

organization among the early Christian

churches, with uniformity developing as

the years passed. "Later in the history of

the early church, when in various parts of

the world many groups of believers had

been formed into churches, the organization

of the church was further perfected, so

that order and harmonious action might

be maintained."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages 91, 92.

Organization Exists to Expedite

the Church's Work

What instruction does God give

us concerning order and wise plan-

ning in His church? 1 Cor. 14:33, 40.

NOTE.—"Christ designs that heaven's or-

der, heaven's plan of government, heaven's

divine harmony, shall be represented in

His church on earth."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 680.

"While it is true that the Lord guides

individuals, it is also true that He is

leading out a people, not a few separate in-

dividuals here and there, one believing this

thing, another that. Angels of God are

doing the work committed to their trust.

The third angel is leading out and pu-

rifying a people, and they should move

with him unitedly. . . .

"The world is filled with strife for the

supremacy. The spirit of pulling away

from our fellow laborers, the spirit of dis-

organization, is in the very air we breathe.

By some, all efforts to establish order are

regarded as dangerous—as a restriction of

personal liberty, and hence to be feared

as popery. They declare that they will not

take any man's say-so; that they are

amenable to no man.

have been in-

structed that it is Satan's special effort to

lead men to feel that God is pleased to

have them choose their own course, in-

dependent of the counsel of their brethren."

—Testimonies to Ministers,

pages 488, 489.

Why do the members of the

church need to be united together in

fellowship and service? 1 Cor. 12:

14-17.

NoTE.—Organization makes it possible

for persons with specialized abilities to

concentrate on tasks they are well qualified

[ 21 ]

to do. Inasmuch as God's work, like the

body, requires specialized functions, when

believers unite their efforts they accomplish

more than they could working alone.

How does the Bible portray the

folly of lack of cooperation and

united effort as members seek to

fulfill the gigantic task of the church?

1 Cor. 12:18-21.

What basic attitude is necessary

order to have unity in the church?

1 Peter 5:5.

10.

What happens in the church

when each member rightly uses his

gifts in cooperation with others? Eph.

4:16.

Kind of Organization

11.

What words of Scripture show

that the organization of the church

must be carefully and wisely worked

out? Eph. 2:21, first part.

NOTE.—The words "fitly framed" and

"fitly joined" (Eph. 4:16) indicate that

the members of God's church must plan

and organize the work in the most effi-

cient manner of which they are capable.

"There should be more wise generalship

manifested in doing the Lord's work."

—Counsels to Writers and Editors,

page

126.

Good organization is determined by func-

tion. Organization is good to the extent

that it enables the objective to be fully

attained or the task properly performed

in the easiest, quickest, and least expen-

sive way, consonant, of course, with respect

for the rights and welfare of individuals.

12.

What examples in the Bible

have led the church to establish a

representative type of church orga-

nization and administration? Acts 1:

21-23; 6:3-5.

NoTE.—God desires a form of church

organization that respects the dignity

and judgment of the individual members.

God speaks through the minds of many

of His followers, and our organization was

formed in such a way that the individual

may be heard, but the majority rules. As

in all large groups, delegates or represent-

atives are chosen by the members to speak

for them; but God desires that all members

think about His work and plan together

for its advancement.

"He [God] does not give to one of His

servants an experience independent of and

contrary to the experience of the church

itself. Neither does He give one man a

knowledge of His will for the entire church

while the church—Christ's body—is left in

darkness. In His providence He places His

servants in close connection with His

church in order that they may have less

confidence in themselves and greater con-

fidence in others whom He is leading out

to advance His work."—The

Acts of the

Apostles,

page 163.

13.

What is the basic unit upon

which the Seventh-day Adventist

Church organization is founded?

ANSWER.—The local church, the members

of which choose one of their own members

to serve as the local elder, or presiding

officer. Inasmuch as he is not able—nor

would it be desirable—to perform or direct

all the various projects of the church, other

officers are elected to help him; namely,

deacons to help with the temporal affairs

of the church, Sabbath school superin-

tendent, home missionary leader, young

people's leader, et cetera. These officers serve

as a committee or church board, acting in

behalf of the people, but the elder bears

the responsibility of all phases of the

church work and heads all the departments.

NOTE.—"Every member of the church

has a voice in choosing officers of the

church. The church chooses the officers of

the state conferences. Delegates chosen by

the state conferences choose the officers of

[ 22 ]

the union conferences, and delegates chosen

by the union conferences choose the.officers

of the General Conference. By this arrange-

ment every conference, every institution,

every church, and every individual, either

directly or through representatives, has a

voice in the election of the men who bear

the chief responsibilities in the General

Conference."—Testimonies, Vol. 8, pp. 236,

237.

Lesson 7, for November 13, 1965

Authority and Discipline in the Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are

spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself,

lest thou also be tempted." Gal. 6:1.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 410-416, 805, 806; "Gospel Workers,"

pages 498-503; "Testimonies," Vol. 3, pp. 428-433, 450, 451; Vol. 7, pp.

260-264; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To examine the safeguards God has placed in the church to keep

it from dangers within and without, and to discover the responsibility of each

member for the spiritual state of the church.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check

Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions 5, 6; read from

study helps.



❑

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 7-10.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; read

from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Authority of the Church

Entrusted with the keys of the

kingdom. Matt. 16:18, 19.

Witnesses of sins forgiven or

retained. John 20:22, 23.

Discipline for unrepentant sinners.

Matt. 18:15, 16; Titus 3:10, 11.

Disfellowshiping, a function for the

entire congregation. Matt. 18:17.

II. The Purpose of Church Discipline

Reclaiming the erring. 1 Cor. 5:4,

5; 1 Tim. 1:20.

Preventing pollution of others.

1 Cor. 5:6, 7.

III. The Responsibility of the Church

The church must accept responsi-

bility. 1 Cor 5:9-13.

Treatment of disfellowshiped

members. 2 Cor. 2:6-8.

Church members must seek to

restore the erring. Gal. 6:1, 2;

James 5:20.

10.

Responsibility of ministers. 2 Tim.

2:24-26; Ezek. 3:17-19.

IV. The Procedure for Church Discipline

11.

Reasons for discipline. 2 Tim. 3:5 ;

Rom. 16:17 ; Heb. 13:17.

12.

Biblical examples. 2 Tim. 2:16-18;

Titus 3:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6; 1 Cor.

5:11, 13.

123

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Many have an idea that they are re-

sponsibile to Christ alone for their light and

experience, independent of His recognized

followers on earth. Jesus is the friend of

sinners, and His heart is touched with

their woe. He has all power, both in heaven

and on earth; but He respects the means

that He has ordained for the enlightenment

and salvation of men; He directs sinners

to the church, which He has made a chan-

nel of light to the world."—The

Acts of

the Apostles,

page 122.

The Authority of the Church

With what words did Jesus dele-

gate to the church the authority to

act upon the acceptance of members

into the church or their rejection?

Matt. 16:18, 19.

NOTE.—"In the presence of God, and all

the heavenly intelligences, in the presence

of the unseen army of hell, Christ founded

His church upon the living Rock. That

Rock is Himself,—His own body, for us

broken and bruised. Against the church

built upon this foundation, the gates of

hell shall not prevail. . . .

"The keys of the kingdom of heaven'

are the words of Christ. All the words of

Holy Scripture are His, and are here in-

cluded. These words have power to open

and to shut heaven. They declare the

conditions upon which men are received or

rejected."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 413,

414.

What is the basis for church

authority to pass upon the fitness of

men to be members of the body of

Christ? John 20:22, 23.

NOTE.—"On the church has been con-

ferred the power to act in Christ's stead. It

is God's instrumentality for the preserva-

tion of order and discipline among His

people. To it the Lord has delegated the

power to settle all questions respecting its

prosperity, purity, and order. Upon it

rests the responsibility of excluding from

its fellowship those who are unworthy,

who by their un-Christlike conduct would

bring dishonor on the truth. Whatever

the church does that is in accordance with

the directions given in God's Word, will be

ratified in

heaven."—Gospel Workers,

pages

501, 502.

What are the first steps to be

taken in dealing with a member who

has fallen into sin? Matt. 18:15, 16;

Titus 3:10, 11.

NOTE.—"Whatever the character of the

offense, this does not change the plan

that God has made for the settlement of

misunderstandings and personal injuries.

Speaking alone and in the Spirit of Christ

to the one who is in fault will often remove

the difficulty. Go to the erring one, with

a heart filled with Christ's love and sym-

pathy, and seek to adjust the matter.

Reason with him calmly and quietly. Let

no angry words escape your lips. Speak in

a way that will appeal to his better judg-

ment. . . .

"For the sake of the peace and unity of

the church, feel it a privilege 'as well as a

duty to do this. . . .

"No church officer should advise, no

committee should recommend, nor should

any church vote, that the name of a

wrongdoer shall be removed from the

church books, until the instruction given

by Christ has been faithfully followed."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 7, pp. 261, 262.

In what group only is authority

vested for disfellowshiping church

members? Matt. 18:17.

NOTE.—" 'And if he shall neglect to hear

them,' what then shall be done? Shall a

few persons in a board meeting take upon

themselves the responsibility of disfellow-

shiping the erring one? 'If he shall neglect

to hear them, tell it unto

the church.' . .

[ 24 ]

[Matt. 18:17.] Let the church take action

in regard to its

members."—Testimonies,

Vol. 7, p. 262.

"Matters of grave import come up for

settlement by the church. God's ministers,

ordained by Him as guides of His people,

after doing their part are to submit the

whole matter to the church, that there may

be unity in the decision made."—Ibid.,

pp. 263, 264.

Purpose of Church Discipline

What is the primary purpose of

church discipline? 1 Cor. 5:4, 5;

1 Tim. 1:20.

NOTE.—"When this instruction [given by

Christ in Matthew 18:1-18] has been fol-

lowed, the church has cleared herself before

God. The evil must then be made to ap-

pear as it is, and must be removed, that it

may not become more and more wide-

spread. The health and purity of the church

must be preserved, that she may stand

before God unsullied, clad in the robes of

Christ's righteousness."—Testimonies,

—

Vot.

7, pp. 262, 263.

What other function does church

discipline achieve? 1 Cor. 5:6, 7.

NOTE.—"Sin and sinners in the church

must be promptly dealt with, that others

may not be contaminated. Truth and

purity require that we make more thor-

ough work to cleanse the camp from

Achans. Let those in responsible positions

not suffer sin in a brother. Show him that

he must either put away his sins or be

separated from the

church."—Testimonies,

Vol. 5, p. 147.

The Responsibility of the Church

How did the apostle Paul ad-

monish the Corinthian church to

arouse and deal with an erring mem-

ber? 1 Cor. 5:9-13.

NOTE.—"But on the church in its or-

ganized capacity He places a responsibility

for the individual members. Toward those

who fall into sin, the church has a duty,

to warn, to instruct, and if possible to

restore. . . . Deal faithfully with wrong-

doing. Warn every soul that is in danger.

Leave none to deceive themselves. Call sin

by its right name. Declare what God has

said in regard to lying, Sabbath breaking,

stealing, idolatry, and every other evil.

`They which do such things shall not in-

herit the kingdom of God.' . . . If they

persist in sin, the judgment you have

declared from God's Word is pronounced

upon them in heaven. In choosing to sin;

they disown Christ; the church must show

that she does not sanction their deeds, or

she herself dishonors her Lord. She must

say about sin what God says about it. She

must deal with it as God directs, and her

action is ratified in heaven. He who de-

spises the authority of the church despises

the authority of Christ Himself."—The

Desire of Ages,

pages 805, 806.

How should members that have

been disfellowshiped be treated?

2 Cor. 2:6-8.

Who should assume responsi-

bility for erring Christians, and what

end should they seek to achieve? Gal.

6:1, 2; James 5:20.

NOTE.—"If the erring one repents and

submits to Christ's discipline, he is to be

given another trial. And even if he does

not repent, even if he stands outside the

church, God's servants still have a work

to do for him. They are to seek earnestly

to win him to repentance. And, however

aggravated may have been his offense, if

he yields to the striving of the Holy Spirit

and, by confessing and forsaking his sin,

gives evidence of repentance, he is to be

forgiven and welcomed to the fold again.

His brethren are to encourage him in the

right way, treating him as they would

wish to be treated were they in his place,

considering themselves lest they also be

tempted."—Testimonies,

Vol. 7, p. 263.

10.

What special responsibility do

ministers bear toward the erring?

2 Tim. 2:24-26; Ezek. 3:17-19.

[25]

NoTE.—"Men appointed of God have

been chosen to watch with jealous care,

with vigilant perseverance, that the church

may not be overthrown by the evil devices

of Satan, but that she shall stand in the

world to promote the glory of God among

men."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 53.

The Procedure for Church Discipline

11. Give three reasons for which

the church should discipline its mem-

bers.

ANSWER: (a) Denial of the Spirit of

Christ. 2 Tim.

3:5.

(b)

Denial of the doctrines taught by

the church. Rom. 16:17.

(c)

Rejection of the authority of

the

church. Heb. 13:17.

NOTE.—"Among the grievous sins for

which members shall be subject to church

discipline are the following:

"1.

Denial of faith in the fundamentals

of the gospel and in the cardinal doctrines

of the church or teaching doctrines con-

trary to the same.

"2.

Open violation of the law of God,

such as worship of idols, murder, adultery,

fornication, stealing, profanity, Sabbath

breaking, willful and habitual falsehood,

and the remarriage of a divorced person,

except of the innocent party in a divorce

for adultery.

"3.

Fraud or willful misrepresentation in

business.

"4.

Disorderly conduct which brings re-

proach upon the cause.

"5.

Persistent refusal to recognize prop-

erly constituted church authority or to

submit to the order and discipline of the

church.

"6.

The use, manufacture, or sale of

alcoholic beverages.

"7.

The use of tobacco or addiction to

narcotic drugs."—Church

Manual,

issued

by General Conference of S.D.A., 1963 ed.,

pp. 224, 225.

12. What types of wrongdoing

that warrant withdrawal of fellow-

ship are cited in the Bible? 2 Tim.

2:16-18; Titus 3:9-11; 2 Thess. 3:6;

1 Cor. 5:11, 13.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Does my membership in Christ's

church enhance or detract from its purity?

If all the members were like me, would

the church be better than it is now, or

worse?

What attitude do I manifest toward

church members who are stumbling?

Lesson 8, for November 20, 1965

The Spiritual Life of Church Members

MEMORY VERSE:

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory

of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by

the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.

STUDY HELPS:

"Steps to Christ," chapter "The Work and the Life"; "Thoughts From

the Mount of Blessing," 1956 ed., pp. 138-152 (1943 ed. pp. 198-218); "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To review the high ideals and aims which God has for the members

of His church.

[ 26 ]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check

Here



Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;



Tuesday: Questions 7-10.

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.



Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from



Thursday: Finish reading' study

study helps.



❑



helps.

Monday: Questions 3-6.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Living to Glorify God

A major objective. 2 Thess.

1:11, 12.

How God is glorified. Eph. 1:3,

4, 6 ; Matt. 5:16.

II. Living for Daily Spiritual Growth

Goal to be attained. 2 Cor. 7:1;

Heb. 12:14.

By the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor.

3:18.

Depicted in Paul's prayer.

Eph. 3:14-19.

The high standard. Col. 1:9-11.

III. The Means and Effects of Spiritual

Growth

Accomplished by the power of God.

Phil. 1:10, 11.

The mind is transformed. Rom.

12:2.

Results in a new man. Eph.

4:21-24.

10.

The believer's own part. 1 Peter

2:2; Col. 2:6; Phil. 2:12, 13;

3:13, 14.

IV. Specific Counsel Concerning

Daily Living

11.

Things to refrain fre,ro doing.

Eph. 4:25 to 5:4.

12.

Love's way. Luke 6:27-31.

13.

Admonitions for all. Titus 2:2-7;

3:1-3.

14.

Genuine religion. James 1:27.

THE LESSON

Introduction

Concerning the church member's man-

ner of life, the Bible says, "Do all you

have to do without grumbling or arguing,

so that you may be God's children, blame-

less, sincere, and wholesome, living in a

warped and diseased world, and shining

there like lights in a dark place. For you

hold in your hands the very word of

life." Phil. 2:14-16

(The New Testament

in Modern English,

lips, 1958. Used by permission of the Mac-

millan Company, New York).

The responsibility of a Christian to

"walk worthy of the vocation wherewith

ye are called, with all lowliness and meek-

ness, with long-suffering, forbearing one

another in love" (Eph. 4:1, 2) is formi-

dable. Yet we do not draw back in fear,

but press forward "boldly unto

the throne

of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and

find grace to help in time of need." Heb.

4:16.

Living to Glorify God

What should be the constant

aim of the Christian in endeavoring

to live a victorious life? 2 Thess.

1:11, 12.

To what kind of life has God

called us? What did Jesus urge us to

do to glorify God? Eph. 1:4, 6; Matt.

5:16.

f27

]

NOTE.—"The world will be convinced not

so much by what the pulpit teaches as by

what the church lives. The preacher an-

nounces the theory of the gospel, but the

practical piety of the church demonstrates

its

power."—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, p. 260.

Living for Daily Spiritual Growth

To what spiritual development

should the church member seek to

attain? 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:14. Com-

pare Prov. 4:18.

Nom.—The Greek word here translated

"perfecting" means "to bring to a consum-

mation or to a goal, to complete." The work

of sanctification, bringing the believer to

full spiritual growth and Christian matur-

ity, is a lifelong process and not something

accomplished by a single act. The Christian

must "grow in grace and in the knowledge

of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

2 Peter 3:18.

"The germination of the seed [in the

parable of Mark 4:26-28] represents the

beginning of spiritual life, and the devel-

opment of the plant is a figure of the

development of character. There can be

no life without growth. The plant must

either grow or die. As its growth is silent

and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the

growth of character. At every stage of

development our life may be perfect; yet

if God's purpose for us is fulfilled, there

will be constant advancement."—Education,

pages 105, 106.

To whom are Christians to keep

looking as an example, and what re-

sult will this have in their lives?

2 Cor. 3:18. Compare Heb. 12:2.

Nam.—This scripture is translated in

the Revised Standard Version as follows:

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding

the glory of the Lord, are being changed

into His likeness from one degree of glory

to another." "Men are changed in accord-

ance with what they contemplate."—

Counsels to Teachers,

page 460.

What steps in Christian growth

did Paul cite in his prayer for the

Ephesians? Eph. 3:14-19.

To what high standard did the

apostle pray that God would bring

the Christians in Colossae? Col. 1:9-11.

NOTE.—"The knowledge of God as re-

vealed in Christ is the knowledge that all

who are save.1 must have. It is the knowl-

edge that works transformation of char-

acter. This knowledge, received, will re-

create the soul in the image of God. It will

impart to the whole being a spiritual power

that is divine. . . .

"As Jesus was in human nature, so God

means His followers to be. In His strength

we are to live the life of purity and nobil-

ity which the Saviour lived."—The

Minis-

try of Healing,

pages 425, 426.

The Means and Results of

Spiritual Growth

Through whose help and power

only can the believer grow spiri-

tually? Phil. 1:10, 11. Compare Heb.

13:20, 21.

In the process of spiritual re-

newal, what fundamental change must

be effected? Rom. 12:2.

NOTE.—"Renewing of your mind.

Before

conversion, man's power of reason, the

faculty for discerning between right and

wrong, is under the dominion of bodily im-

pulses. The mind is described as a 'fleshly

mind' (Col. 2:18). But at the time of

conversion the mind comes under the in-

fluence of the Spirit of God. The result is

that 'we have the mind of Christ' (1 Cor.

2:13-16). . . And as the inward man is

being transformed by the power of the

Holy Spirit, so the outward life is being

[28]

progressively changed. The, sanctification

of the mind will reveal itself in a holier

way of living, as the character of Christ

is more and more perfectly reproduced in

the believer."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on Rom. 12:2.

9. How does Paul figuratively de-

scribe the changed life of the Chris-

tian? Eph. 4:21-24.

13.

What admonition is given to

church members of various age levels?

Titus 2:2-7; 3:1-3.

14.

How does James sum up the

essence of genuine religion? James

1:27.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

10. Besides surrendering his will

to Christ, what else must the believer

do to promote his spiritual growth?

ANSWER.—(a) He must feed on the Word

of God. 1 Peter 2:2.

(b)

He must pray for a new spirit and

claim the promise. Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 36:

26, 27.

(c)

He must continue living by faith.

Heb. 10:22, 23; Col. 2:6.

(d)

He must obey, to the best of his

ability. Phil. 2:12, 13; John 14:15.

(e)

He must persevere. Luke 13:24;

Phil. 3:13, 14.

NOTE.—"Wrongs cannot be righted, nor

can reformations in character be made, by

a few feeble, intermittent efforts. Sanctifi-

cation is the work, not of a day, or of a

year, but of a lifetime. The struggle for

conquest over self, for holiness and heaven,

is a lifelong struggle. Without continual

effort and constant activity there can be

no advancement in the divine life, no at-

tainment of the victor's

crown."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 8, pp. 312, 313.

Specific Counsel Concerning

Daily Living

11. What will be put out of the

life of a converted person? Eph. 4:25

to 5:4.

12. How does

the

true Christian

treat his enemies and those who im-

pose upon him? Luke 6:27-31.

"There are those who have known the

pardoning love of Christ and who really

desire to be children of God, yet they real-

ize that their character is imperfect, their

life faulty, and they are ready to doubt

whether their hearts have been renewed by

the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do

not draw back in despair. We shall often

have to bow down and weep at the feet of

Jesus because of our shortcomings and

mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged.

Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we

are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected

of God. No; Christ is at the right hand

of God, who also maketh intercession for

us. Said the beloved John, 'These things

write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if

any man sin, we have an advocate with the

Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.' 1 John

2:1. And do not forget the words of Christ,

`The Father Himself loveth you.' John

16:27. He desires to restore you to Him-

self, to see His own purity and holiness

reflected in you. And if you will but yield

yourself to Him, He that hath begun a

good work in you will carry it forward to

the day of Jesus Christ."—Steps

to Christ,

page 64.

"If

we consent, He will so

identify Himself with our

thoughts and aims, so blend

our hearts and minds into

conformity to His will, that

when obeying Him we shall

be but carrying out our own

impulses."—Th

e Desire of

Ages,

page 668.

[29

]

Lesson 9, for November 27, 1965

The Ordinances of the Church

MEMORY VERSE:

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have

put on Christ." Gal. 3:27.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-661; Ellen G. White Comments,

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary," Vol. 5, pp. 1138-1140; Vol. 6, pp. 1074, 1075;

"Testimonies," Vol. 6, pp. 91-99.

STUDY AIM:

To learn the meaning and relevance of the ordinances of the church.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

learn memory verse.



Sunday: Questions 1-3; read from

study helps.



Monday: Questions 4-7.

Check

Here

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read

from study helps.



❑

Thursday: Finish reading helps.



❑

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. Baptism—The Portal to the Church

Its importance. Matt. 3:13-15;

28:19.

Its significance. Rom. 6:3-8;

Col. 2:12.

The gateway into the church. Acts

2:41, 47.

II. Foot Washing—A Symbol of

Service

The necessity. Luke 22:24-27.

Jesus' action. John 13:4, 5.

A new ordinance. John 13:12-17.

Its significance. John 13:6-8.

III. The Lord's Supper

A reminder of Christ's vicarious

death. 1 Cor. 11:23-25.

A declaration of faith. 1 Cor.

11:26.

10.

Communion with the Lord. 1 Cor.

10:16; John 6:53-57.

11.

Fellowship with other Christians.

1 Cor. 10:17.

12.

A warning. 1 Cor. 11:27, 29.

13.

A personal decision. 1 Cor. 11:28.

THE LESSON -

Introduction

Webster's New International Dictionary,

Second Edition, defines the word "ordi-

nance" as "an established rite for the

administration of a sacrament; hence, a

sacrament, especially the Communion."

The same dictionary defines a "sacrament"

as follows: "One of certain religious acts,

ceremonies, or practices distinguished from

all others in Christian rites as having been

observed or recognized by Christ and given

a certain character by Him." It is in this

sense that we use the words "ordinance"

and "sacrament" for baptism, foot wash-

ing, and the Lord's Supper. The actual

acts of baptism, foot washing, and eating

the emblematic bread and wine do not

carry spiritual value of themselves, because

a person may participate in them merely

as a form without being spiritually pre-

pared. For such persons no spiritual value

is received. But for the person who has by

faith, prayer, and obedience entered into

[30]

spiritual fellowship with the Lord, the

taking part in these symbolic acts may

bring a deep spiritual blessing in a manner

which we cannot adequately describe in

words, and which could not be received in

any other way. There is no substitute, no

other resource or means, by which to ob-

tain the specific blessing that comes as a

result of participating in the ordinances

with the right spirit.

Baptism—The Portal to the Church

How important did Jesus con-

sider baptism, and how does His own

example and practice reinforce His

command? Matt. 3:13-15; 28:19. Com-

pare John 4:1.

What does the rite of baptism

signify? Rom. 6:3-8; Col. 2:12.

According to the teaching of

the New Testament, into what re-

lationship with the church did bap-

tized persons enter immediately? Acts

2:41, 47.

NOTE.—"Christ has made baptism the

sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.

He has made this a positive condition with

which all must comply who wish to be

acknowledged as under the authority of

the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 6, page 91.

Foot Washing—A Symbol of

Service

What spiritual condition among

the disciples made necessary the

ordinance of foot washing? Luke

2:24-27.

What necessary service did Jesus

perform for His disciples that one of

them should have fulfilled? John

13:4, 5.

What words of Jesus show that

at the time He performed that neces-

sary service, He introduced a new

ordinance for all His followers? John

13:12-17.

NoTE.—The Saviour gave three reasons

why all Christians should participate in

this new ordinance:

(a)

His command—

"Ye . . . ought to wash one another's

feet" (verse 14) ;

(b)

His example (verse

15) ; and

(c)

His promised blessing to

those who obey (verse 17).

"In washing the feet of His disciples,

Christ gave evidence that He would do

any service, however humble, that would

make them heirs with Him of the eternal

wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples,

in performing the same rite, pledge them-

selves in like manner to serve their breth-

ren."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 651.

"The ordinance of feet washing is an

ordinance of service. This is the lesson the

Lord would have all learn and practice."

—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible

Commentary,

Vol. 5, p. 1138.

"By taking part in the ordinance of

feet washing we show that we are willing

to perform this act of humility. We are

doing the very thing Christ did, but this

is not to be talked of as an act of humil-

iation. It is an act' which symbolizes the

condition of the mind and heart."—Ibid.,

p. 1139.

What spiritual lessons are there

in this ordinance? John 13:6-8.

NOTE.—When a person permits his feet

to be washed, he is bearing witness to the

fact that he does not consider himself to

be perfect, but recognizes that he needs the

cleansing power of God, and that he is now

seeking, or already has sought, that cleans-

ing from God.

The Lord's Supper

What important function does

the Lord's Supper fulfill in the spiri-

tual experience of the participant?

1 Cor. 11:23-25.

[31

]

NoTE.—In order that Christians might

regularly be brought to recall the debt

they owe to Christ, the Lord's Supper was

instituted. As we take the broken piece of

bread representing Christ's broken body,

or taste the wine symbolizing the blood

by which Jesus sealed the new covenant of

grace in His death, we cannot fail to bring

into full remembrance the cross of Cal-

vary and its implications for us. As we

partake in solemn awe, we again see things

in true perspective.

To what do we testify when we

partake of the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor.

11:26.

NOTE.—The Greek word which Paul used

that is here translated "shew" in the King

James Version, really means, and is regu-

larly rendered, "proclaim," "declare" (1

Cor. 2:1), or "preach" (1 Cor. 9:14; Acts

13:5, 38). The apostle is saying that as

Christians eat the emblematic bread and

drink the wine they are making a public

declaration of their faith in the death of

Christ as an effective, vicarious atone-

ment for their sins, and in His second

coming.

10.

What other fundamental wit-

ness is given by participation in the

Lord's Supper? 1 Cor. 10:16; John

6:53-57.

NoTE.—"Eating of the body, and drink-

ing of the blood, of Christ, not merely at

the sacramental service, but daily par-

taking of the bread of life to satisfy the

soul's hunger, would be receiving His Word

and doing His will."—Ellen G. White Com-

ments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 5,

page 1140.

11.

What does participation in the

Lord's Supper teach us concerning

our relationships with fellow Chris-

tians? 1 Cor. 10:17.

NOTE.—"This is an allusion to the fact

that the Communion bread is broken into

many pieces, which are eaten by the be-

lievers; and as all the pieces come from

the same loaf, so all the believers who par-

take of the Communion service are united

in Him whose broken body is thus typified

by the broken bread. By partaking together

of this ordinance, Christians show publicly

that they are united and belong to one

great family, whore head is Christ."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

on 1 Cor. 10:17.

12.

What warning do the Scrip-

tures give to those who partake of

the Lord's Supper when they are con-

sciously violating the law of God?

1 Cor. 11:27, 29.

13.

Upon whom does the responsi-

bility rest for the decision to par-

ticipate in the Lord's Supper? 1 Cor.

11:28. Compare 1 Cot.. 5:11-13.

NOTE.—"Christ's example forbids ex-

clusiveness at the Lord's Supper. It is true

that open sin excludes the guilty. This the

Holy Spirit plainly teaches. 1 Cor. 5:11.

But beyond this none are to pass judg-

ment. God has not left it with men to say

who shall present themselves on these oc-

casions. For who can read the heart? Who

can distinguish the tares from the wheat?"

—The Desire of Ages,

page 656.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Am I willing to do any service that

the Lord asks me to perform? and for

anyone?

Have I sought for the deeper mean-

ing of the Communion services, or do I

thoughtlessly avoid participation, with the

careless observation that I derive no benefit

from them?

Do I seek real communion with my

Lord through feeding daily and deeply

on His Word and through prayer?

[ 32 ]

Lesson 10, for December 4, 1965

The Church at Worship

MEMORY VERSE:

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house

of the Lord." Ps. 122:1.

STUDY HELPS:

"Testimonies," Vol. 5, pp. 491-500, 607-609; Vol. 6, pp.• 174, 175;

"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To recognize the values to be received from regular attendance at

the worship services of the church, and to understand the contribution the

worshiper is to make to such services.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

Check Here

study helps.



learn memory verse.

❑

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.

Sunday: Questions 1-4.

❑

Thursday:



Finish reading



study

Monday: Questions 5-8.

❑

helps.

Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read from

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson

Outline:

Introduction

I. Purpose of the Church Service

For worship. Ps. 99:9; 95:6.

For mutual encouragement. Heb.

10:24, 25.

For instruction. Luke 4:17-21.

For prayer. Isa. 56:7; Matt. 21:13.

II. Necessary Elements of Worship

A sensing of God's presence. Matt.

18:20; Ps. 84:1, 2.

A proper spirit. John 4:23, 24.

Praise and thanksgiving. Ps. 107:1,

2; 135:1-3; 150:1, 2.

8. Confession and prayer for forgive-

ness. Ps. 51:1-3, 12.

III. Some Results of Worship

9. Dedication of one's self for service.

Isa. 6:8.

10. Desire to worship again. Ps. 122:1;

42:1, 2.

IV. Conducting the Worship Service

11. Sabbath worship. Luke 4:16, 31.

12. With order and decorum. 1 Cor.

14:33, 40; Ps. 96:9.

13. The conduct of the worshipers.

Eccl. 5:1, 2; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 89:7.

14. Ways of expressing praise. 2 Chron.

29:30; Ps. 98:5, 6; 105:1, 2; 107:1,

2; 96:1, 2; 150:3-5.

THE LESSON

Introduction

In the Hebrew sanctuary God came to

meet with His people, manifesting Him-

self to them in the Shekinah. In the

Christian church Christ is present in the

midst of His worshiping people, for He

promised, "Where two or three are gath.-

ered together in My name, there am I in

the midst of them." The worship service

is of great importance in the spiritual life

of a Christian, for it is the setting in which

we meet Christ, who unites our minds and

affections to God the Father and to our

[

331

brethren. In the worship experience God

communicates and mediates to us His sav-

ing, sanctifying grace and His richest bless-

ings. Through instruction from the Word,

through public witness by means of the

ordinances, through prayer and worship,

these blessings are imparted to us.

Purpose of the Church Service

What important purpose for re-

ligious assemblies is explicitly stated

in the Word of God? Ps. 99:9; 95:6.

NoTE.—In the Hebrew language in which

the Old Testament was written the word

we translate into English as "worship" lit-

erally means "to bow down." The word

used by New Testament writers meant

practically the same, namely, "to get down

on one's knees before." The meaning of

our English word "worship" is indicated

by its Anglo-Saxon form, "worth-ship,"

that is, reverence paid to an object of

supreme worth. To the Christian, all that

is of supreme worth and value centers in

our holy, omnipotent Creator, before whom

we kneel in awe and reverent worship.

What are Christians exhorted

to do? Heb. 10:24, 25.

NOTE.—"We sustain a loss when we

neglect the privilege of associating to-

gether to strengthen and encourage one

another in the service of God. The truths

of His Word lose their vividness and im-

portance in our minds. Our hearts cease

to be enlightened and aroused by their

sanctifying influence, and we decline in

spirituality. In our association as Chris-

tians we lose much by lack of sympathy

with one another. He who shuts himself

up to himself is not filling the position that

God designed he should."—Steps

to Christ,

page 101.

In harmony with the example

set by Jesus, what is .to have a

prominent place in the Sabbath wor-

ship service? Luke 4:17-21.

What function to be fulfilled in

the church is indicated by the name

given in the Bible for the house of

God? Isa. 56:7; Matt. 21:13.

Necessary Elements of Worship

Whom may the worshiper con-

fidently expect to meet in the church

service? Matt. 18:20; Ps. 84:1, 2.

Nom—Worship services are to be con-

ducted in such a way as to bring every

worshiper into the presence of God. Unless

we have a sense of the holiness of God

and of His mysterious presence, whatever

we do at church is not really worship.

When true worshipers come to church, they

do so because they want to place them-

selves in the presence of their holy God.

The absolute holiness of God renders His

presence both fearful and alluring. It is

fearful because in God's sinless presence we

become aware of our sinfulness and crea-

tureliness. With Isaiah, we feel like cry-

ing, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because

I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in

the midst of a people of unclean lips."

Isa. 6:5. Aware of our great distance from

God, we pray fervently, "God be merciful

to me a sinner," and we bow down and

worship. But God's presence is also allur-

ing. We are drawn to Him because we

sense that He is our only source of help,

and our hearts rejoice when we obtain

from Him mercy, forgiveness, and cleans-

ing.

In what attitude are worshipers

to come before God? John 4:23, 24.

NOTE.—"The evil of formal worship

cannot be too strongly depicted, but no

words can properly set forth the deep

blessedness of genuine worship."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 9, page 143.

God gave men His Word in order that

they might worship Him in truth. This is

important; but equally important is the

spirit that men bring with them when

they worship. Jesus spoke these words

(John 4:23, 24) to the woman of Samaria

[ 34 ]

who wanted Him to settle the old argument

concerning whether Jerusalem or Samaria

was the place in which God desired His

people .to worship. Jesus answered that

the place was not the important factor in

worship. God can be worshiped anywhere.

The object of our worship does not need

a roof or walls; but inasmuch as the wor-

shipers on this earth do need both to pro-

tect them from the elements and to give

them privacy as they worship, the roof

and the walls should be constructed and

appointed in such a way as to aid in the

act of worship—both functionally and as

a means to exalt the spirit and engender

an attitude of worship.

What is one of the most impor-

tant components of worship? Ps.

107:1, 2; 135:1-3; 150:1, 2.

What other kind of prayer be-

sides praise and thanksgiving is also

acceptable to God in worship? Ps.

51:1-3, 12.

Some Results of Worship

What attitude of dedication does

genuine worship generate? Isa. 6:8.

NoTE.—The renewing power of worship

adds to our spiritual strength ; it makes

us more like our Lord; it deepens our

commitment for Christian service. To

realize this, one need but consider what

happens to those who regularly neglect

the worship assemblies of the church.

10.

How does a person who enters

fully into the worship experience feel

relative to attendance at divine ser-

vices? Ps. 122:1; 42:1, 2.

Conducting the Worship Service

11.

On what day of the week did

Jesus assemble with His disciples and

His community for worship? Luke

4:16, 31. Compare 1 John 2:6.

NOTE.—"We shall follow the Lamb of

God in the courts above only if we follow

Him here. Following Him in heaven de-

pends on our keeping His commandments

now. We are not to follow Christ fitfully

or capriciously, only when it is for our

advantage."—Ellen G. White Comments,

S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

Vol. 7, p. 978.

12.

What counsel do the Scriptures

give concerning the order and con-

duct of church services? 1 Cor. 14:33,

40; Ps. 96:9.

13.

How are worshipers to conduct

themselves in the house of God?

Eccl. 5:1, 2; Neh. 8:6; Ps. 89:7.

14.

Name four distinct ways in

which praise and thanksgiving can be

expressed in the worship service.

2 Chron. 29:30; Ps. 98:5, 6; 105:1, 2;

107:1, 2; 96:1, 2; 150:3-5.

NotE.

—

"As

a part of religious service,

singing is as much an act of worship as

is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer."

—Education,

page 168.

"Music forms a part of God's worship

in the courts above, and we should en-

deavor, in our songs of praise, to approach

as nearly as possible to the harmony of the

heavenly

choirs."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 594.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

When I attend church, do I consciously

and purposefully seek to meet God?

Do I try to keep my mind in a spirit

of worship while I am in the house of

God?

If I do not enjoy the church service,

is it because I need to confess something

and make it right?

[ 35 ]

Lesson 11, for December 11, 1965

God's Plan for Financing Church Activities

MEMORY VERSE:

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able

to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine

own have we given Thee." 1 Chron. 29:14.

STUDY HELPS:

"Counsels on Stewardship," pages 65-103; "The Acts of the Apos- ,

tles," pages 335-345; "Testimonies," Vol. 2, pages 573-575; Vol. 3, pages

381-408; Vol. 9, pages 245-251; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To examine God's plan for financing His work and man's respon-

sibility as God's steward of material possessions.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read from

study helps.

Monday: Questions 3-6.



Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 7-12.



❑

Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read

from study helps.



Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.



❑

Lesson Outline:)

Introduction

I. Giving Is Necessary to Fulfill the

Gospel Commission

Workers must be sent. Rom.

10: 1'3-15.

Workers are to be supported by the

church. 1 Cor. 9:7, 11, 13, 14.

II. Giving Is Necessary for Our

Own Good

An acknowledgment of God's

ownership and our stewardship.

Ps. 24:1; 1 Chron. 29:14.

Results in spiritual blessing. Acts

20:35.

A proof of sincerity and love.

2 Cor. 8:1-8.

An impetus toward self-dedication.

Matt. 6:21.

God's Plan for Church Finance

7. God reserves one tenth. Lev.

27:30, 32; Prov. 3:9.

8. To be brought to the church's

treasury. Mal. 3:10, first part;

Num. 18:21.

9. Freewill offerings, also suggested.

1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Cor. 9:7.

10. Based on proportionate participa-

tion. 2 Cor. 8:13, 14.

11. Failure to participate, regarded

as robbery. Mal. 3:8, 9.

12. Cheerful participation becomes

an act of worship. Deut. 26:10;

2 Chron. 29:29.

13.

Spiritual and material prosperity.

Mal. 3:10, 11; Prov. 3:9, 10.

14.

A rewarding life. 2 Cor. 9:6;

Prov. 11:24, 25.

IV. Promises to Those Who Follow

God's Plan

THE LESSON

Giving

Introduction

"The light of the gospel shining from

the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and

encourages liberality and benevolence. It

should not be a lamented fact that there

are increasing calls to give. God in His

providence is calling His people out from

their limited sphere of action, to enter

upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort

is demanded at this time when moral dark-

ness is covering the world. Many of God's

people are in danger of being ensnared by

worldliness and covetousness. They should

understand that it is His mercy that

multiplies the demands for their means.

Objects that call benevolence into action

must be placed before them, or they cannot

pattern after the character of the great

Exemplar."—Testimonies,

Vol. 9, pages

254, 255.

Giving Is Necessary to Fulfill

the Gospel Commission

What must the church do in

order to carry out the command of

Jesus to preach the gospel in all the

world? Rom. 10:13-15.

What responsibility does the

church have toward those whom she

sends forth to lead out in her work?

1 Cor. 9:7, 11, 13, 14. Compare Luke

10:7.

NOTE.—God expects every church mem-

ber to witness for his Lord and to partic-

ipate actively and personally in the

church's activities. However, it is vital that

some persons devote full time to planning

and leading out in the work of the church.

Such persons cannot do justice to their

responsibilities unless provision is made by

the church for their living expenses and

for the facilities they need with which to

do their work. The Bible plainly teaches

that all church members have a responsi-

bility to give of their means to support

those whom they have chosen to serve as

their representatives.

Is Necessary for Our Own

Good

What does the Christian ac-

knowledge when he makes gifts to

God and His work? Ps. 24:1; 1 Chron.

29:14. Compare Deut. 8:18; Haggai

2:8.

What do those receive who give

to help others? Acts 20:35.

NOTE.—"Unselfish liberality threw the

early church into a transport of joy; for

the believers knew that their efforts were

helping to send the gospel message to those

in darkness. Their benevolence testified

that they had not received the grace of

God in vain. . . .

"Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up

with Christian liberality. The followers of

Christ should rejoice in the privilege of

revealing in their lives the beneficence of

their Redeemer. As they give to the Lord

they have the assurance that their treasure

is going before them to the heavenly

courts."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

344, 345.

What did Paul tell the Co-

rinthians that giving to help the poor

believers in Jerusalem would prove?

2 Cor. 8:1-8.

What effect does giving of one's

means for God's work have upon the

giver? Matt. 6:21. Compare 2 Cor.

8:5.

NoTE —"In every effort to benefit others,

we benefit ourselves. He who gives money

or time for spreading the gospel enlists his

own interest and prayers for the work, and

for the souls to be reached through it; his

affections go out to others, and he is stim-

ulated to greater devotion to God, that he

may be enabled to do them the greatest

[ 37 ]

good."—Thoughts From the Mount of

Blessing,

page 90.

"Acts of generosity and benevolence were

children of men tender and sympathetic,

and to encourage in them an interest and

affection for one another. . • . The law of

tithing was founded upon an enduring

principle and was designed to be a blessing

man."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 547.

God's Plan for Church Finance

What percent of man's income

does God claim as holy unto Himself,

and upon what basis is this percent-

age to be computed? Lev. 27:30, 32;

Prov. 3:9.

NorE.—The word "tithe" is an old

Anglo-Saxon word meaning "a tenth part."

The Hebrew word which is translated

"tithe" simply means "a tenth." It is not

left with each person to determine the

basic proportion of his income that he

will give to satisfy the command of God.

The Lord specifically claims a tenth of

one's increase as His own. The giving of

anything less than a full tenth is not

tithing.

"In determining the proportion to be

given to the cause of God, be sure to ex-

ceed, rather than fall short, of the require-

ments of duty. Consider for whom the

offering is to be made. This recollection

will put covetousness to flight. Only con-

sider the great love Wherewith Christ has

loved us, and our richest offerings will

seem unworthy of His acceptance. When

Christ is the object of our affections, those

who have received His pardoning love will

not stop to calculate the value of the ala-

baster box of precious ointment."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 4, p. 485.

Where is the tithe to be brought

and for whom is it to be reserved?

Mal. 3:10, first part; Num. 18:21.

Compare Neh. 13:12, 13.

Nors.—"The tithe

God for Himself. It

His treasury to be

is sacred, reserved by

is to be brought into

used to sustain the

gospel laborers in their work. For a long

time the Lord has been robbed because

there are those who do not realize that the

tithe is God's reserved portion.

"Some have been dissatisfied and have

said; 'I will not longer pay my tithe, for

I have no confidence in the way things

are managed at the heart of the work.'

But will you rob God because you think

the management of the work is not right?

Make your complaint, plainly and openly,

in the right spirit, to the proper ones. Send

in your petitions for things to be adjusted

and set in order; but do not withdraw

from the work of God, and prove unfaith-

ful, because others are not doing right."—

Testimonies,

Vol. 9, p. 249.

In addition to the tithe, what are

we asked to give for the support of

His work? 1 Chron. 16:29; 2 Cor.

9:7.

NorE.—Freewill offerings are used to add

to the tithe for the support of the ministry

and also for the erection of houses of

worship (Ex. 35:5, 21, 29; 1 Chron. 29:9),

and for special projects and services that

could not otherwise be provided to hasten

forward the Lord's work. (For details of

a highly organized campaign for freewill

offerings, conceived and directed by the

apostle Paul among all Christian churches

in order to give financial assistance to

Christians in Judea who were in dire need

because of Jewish persecutions, see 1 Cor.

16:1; 2 Cor. 8:1-24; 9:1-8.)

10.

Why is God's plan for financ-

ing His work superior to any other?

2 Cor. 8:13, 14.

NoTE.—Tithing equalizes financial re-

sponsibility in that the person with the

largest income pays the largest amount of

tithe. As the following scriptures indicate,

freewill offerings are also predicated on

proportionate giving: "Every man shall

give as he is able," Deut. 16:17. "They gave

after their ability," Ezra 2:69. "As God

hath prospered him," 1 Cor. 16:2. "By

an equality," 2 Cor. 8:14. God asks pro-

portionate responsibility from the higher

[ 38 ]

privileged. "For unto whomsoever much

is given, of him shall be much required."

Luke 12:48. There is a sort of surtax in

the moral as well as in the financial realm.

11.

What serious charge does God

bring against those who refuse to

participate in His plan of church

finance? Mal. 3:8, 9.

12.

With what is the act of giving

usually associated in the Bible? Deut.

26:10; 2 Chron. 29:29.

Promises to Those Who Follow

God's Plan

13.

What definite promise is made

to those who follow God's plan of

stewardship? Mal. 3:10, 11; Prov.

3:9, 10.

NOTE.—The major blessings that come

from faithfully returning tithes and offer-

ings to God are in the spiritual realm.

Such blessings—firm faith in God, confi-

dence in God and in our brethren, peace in

our hearts, a clear conscience, the respect

of our peers, a good family—are of far

more worth even than good crops, a steady

job, or a prospering business.

14.

What promise does God give

to those who honor Him with their

substance? 2 Cor. 9:6; Prov. 11:24, 25.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

"As the Giver of every blessing, God

claims a certain portion of all we possess.

This is His provision to sustain the preach-

ing of the gospel. And by making this

return to God, we are to show our ap-

preciation of His gifts. But if we withhold

from Him that which is His own, how can

we claim His blessing? If we are unfaith-

ful stewards of earthly things, how can

we. expect Him to entrust us with the

things of heaven? It may be that here is

the secret of unanswered

prayer."—Christ's

Object Lessons,

page 144.

Lesson 12, for December 18, 1965

Unity in Christ

MEMORY VERSE:

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone

members one of another." Rom.

12:5.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages

162-165;

"Testimonies" Vol.

pp.

444-451; Vol.

8, pp.

239-243; Vol.

9, pp. 144-146,

257-261; "S.D.A.

Bible Commentary."

STUDY AIM:

To seek to understand the importance of unity in the church and

what attitudes of church members make for unity.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check

Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

learn memory verse.



❑

Sunday: Questions 1-4.



❑

Monday: Questions

5-7;

read from

study helps.



Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 8-10.

Wednesday: Questions 11-14.

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

[39

]

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Fountainhead of Unity

One body of Christ. Rom. 12:5;

1 Cor. 12:12.

Communion with one Christ. 1 Cor.

10:16, 17.

Baptized and taught by one Spirit.

1 Cor. 12:13.

One hope, one faith, one mission.

Eph. 4:4-6, 11-13.

II. Interrelationships of Members

of the Body

All submit to the Head. Eph.

5:22-24.

Cooperation of all the parts. Eph.

4:16; Col. 2:19.

God sent Paul to Ananias to re-

ceive instruction. Acts 9:6, 10,

11, 15-20.

Spiritual gifts preserve doctrinal

purity. Eph. 4:11, 14, 15.

Unity of the Spirit to be kept.

Eph. 4:1-3.

10.

Christians to be sympathetic,

helpful. 1 Cor. 12:24-26; Phil.

2:1-5.

Appeal and Prayer for Unity

11.

Paul's fervid appeal for unity.

1 Cor. 1:10, 11.

12.

"Is Christ divided?" 1 Cor. 1:13,

first part.

13.

Jesus prays for the unity of His

followers. John 17:20; 21.

14.

Result of unity in the church.

John 17:23.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"Oh, how Satan would rejoice if he

could succeed in his efforts to get in

among this people and disorganize the

work at a time when thorough organiza-

tion is essential and will be the greatest

power to keep out spurious uprisings and

to refute claims not endorsed by the Word

of God! We want to hold the lines evenly,

that there shall be no breaking down of

the system of organization and order

that has been built up by wise, careful

labor. License must not be given to dis-

orderly elements that desire to control the

_ work at this

time."-Testimonies,

Vol. 9,

pp. 257, 258.

"As we approach the last crisis, it is of

vital moment that harmony and unity

exist among the Lord's instrumentalities.

. . . At such a time as this let them not

be found at variance with one another

or with any of the Lord's workers. Amidst

the general discord let there be one place

where harmony and unity exist because

the Bible is made the guide of life. Let

the people of God feel that a responsibility

rests upon them to build up His instru-

mentalities."-/bid, Vol.

7, p.

182.

The Fountainhead of Unity

What Biblical metaphor sets forth

the essential unity of the church

Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12.

NOTE.

-God calls the church the body

of Christ because Christ dwells within

each true believer. Gal. 2:20. The essence of

the church is the life of Christ imparted

to each member by the Holy Spirit. Gen-

uine believers are one body because of

their common possession of the Lord Jesus

Christ.

How does communion with

Christ bring one into fellowship with

other Christians? 1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

What is another powerful factor

contributing to unity among believ-

ers? 1 Cor. 12:13.

NOTE.

-The Holy Spirit informs the

Christian's mind, guiding him into all

[ 40 ]

truth and witnessing to him of the will of

God as expressed in the Bible. Inasmuch

as the Holy Spirit does not teach one be-

liever contrary to that which He teaches

another, the work of the Spirit creates

unity of faith, belief, and aspiration.

In addition to worshiping God,

communing with Christ, and drinking

of the Spirit, what else do Christians

have in common that engenders unity?

Eph. 4:4-6, 11-13.

NoTE.—The unity we need is first of all

a spiritual unity. It has been truly said

that attempts to force unity end only in

an illusion of outer unity, for the true

unity rests upon a common faith, hope,

and mission. Given such inner spiritual

unity, the outward manifestation will be-

come apparent in the institutional aspects

of the church ; for these are but concrete

earthly and temporary expressions of the

church's heart.

Interrelationships of Members

of the Body

How should members of the

church relate themselves to Christ?

Eph. 5:22-24. Compare Eph. 1:22, 23.

How does the Bible indicate the

fact that Christ communicates with

members through the instrumentality

of other members? Eph. 4:16; Col.

2:19.

NoTE.—The word translated as "joint"

in Ephesians 4:16 also means "connec-

tion," "contact," and the phrase has been

translated "compacted through every con-

tact of the supply." The "supply" is the

directing intelligence and vital power

supplied by Christ, the head of the church.

This supply, the Bible says, is sent through-

out the body of Christ by a succession of

contacts, so that every part of the body

shares in the direction, spiritual nourish-

ment, and power which Christ gives; also

every part is a channel that passes on the

"supply" to other parts of the body.

How does Paul's experience at

the time of his conversion reveal

God's plan to use members of the

church to save sinners? Acts 9:6, 10,

11, 15-20.

NOTE.—"The Redeemer of the world does

not sanction experience and exercise in

religious matters independent of His or-

ganized and acknowledged church, where

He has a church.

"Many have the idea that they are re-

sponsible to Christ alone for their light

and experience, independent of His ac-

knowledged followers in the world. But this

is condemned by Jesus in His teachings and

in the examples, the facts, which He has

given for our instruction. Here was Paul,

one whom Christ was to fit for a most

important work, one who was to be a

chosen vessel unto Him, brought directly

into the presence of Christ; yet He does not

teach him the lessons of truth. He arrests

his course and convicts him; and when

he asks, 'What wilt Thou have me to do ?'

the Saviour does not tell him directly, but

places him in connection with His church.

They will tell thee what thou must do.

. . . He directs Saul to the church, thus

acknowledging the power that He has

invested in it as a channel of light to the

world. It is Christ's organized body upon

the earth, and respect is required to be paid

to His ordinances. In the case of Saul,

Ananias represents Christ, and he also

represents Christ's ministers upon the

earth who are appointed to act in Christ's

stead."—Testimonies,

Vol. 3, pp. 432, 433.

What is one of the main func-

tions to be performed for the church

by those to whom God has given

spiritual gifts? Eph. 4:11, 14, 15.

NOTE.—"The Word of God does not

give license for one man to set up his

judgment in opposition to the judgment

of the church, neither is he allowed to

urge his opinions against the opinions of

the church. If there were no church dis-

[41]

cipline and government, the church would

go to fragments; it could not hold together

as a

body ."—T estimonies,

Vol. 3, p. 428.

"God is leading a people out from the

world upon the exalted platform of eternal

truth, the commandments of God and the

faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit

up His people. They will not be at variance,

one believing one thing, and another having

faith and views entirely opposite, each

moving independently of the body. Through

the diversity of the gifts and governments

that He has placed in the church, they will

all come to the unity of the faith."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 3, p. 446.

What Christian attitudes did

Paul recommend in order to preserve

the unity of the church? Eph. 4:1-3.

NOTE.—"The religion of Christ does not

require us to lose our identity of character,

but merely to adapt ourselves, in some

measure, to the feelings and ways of others.

Many people may be brought together in

a unity of religious faith whose opinions,

habits, and tastes in temporal matters are

not in harmony; but if they have the love

of Christ glowing in their bosoms, and

are looking forward to the same heaven

as their eternal home, they may have the

sweetest and most intelligent communion

together, and a unity the most wonderful."

—Testimonies,

Vol. 4, p. 65.

10.

How are Christians to care for

and to feel toward one another? 1 Cor.

12:24-26; Phil. 2:1-5. Compare Ps.

133:1.

Appeal and Prayer for Unity

11.

What fervid appeal did the

apostle Paul make for unity in the

church at Corinth? 1 Cor. 1:10, 11.

12.

In an attempt to impress upon

believers the disastrous effects of divi-

sion in the church, what question did

the apostle ask? 1 Cor. 1:13, first part.

NOTE.—Paul's question demands a nega-

tive answer. Christ cannot be divided.

Therefore it is impossible for the true

church of Christ, His body, to be divided

in its inner, spiritual life; for the indivis-

ible life of Christ is shared by His genuine

followers. The inescapable conclusion is

that those who attempt to divide the

church tear themselves loose from the

body of Christ and are no longer members

of it. One cannot knowingly and willingly

participate in an effort to rend the body of

Christ without thereby separating himself

from that body. Although Christ is in-

divisible, yet when members tear them-

selves from His body, both Christ and the

body bleed. Activities on the part of

church members that lead to disunity,

division, and schism result in crucifying

Christ again and putting Him to open

shame.

13.

When facing His own immi-

nent death, what did Jesus ask the

Father to grant the disciples? John

17:20, 21.

NOTE.—"As

we approach the last crisis,

it is of vital moment that harmony and

unity exist among the Lord's instrumen-

talities. The world is filled with storm and

war and variance. Yet under one head—

the papal power—the people will unite to

oppose God in the person of His witnesses.

This union is cemented by the great apos-

tate. While he seeks to unite his agents in

warring against the truth, he will work to

divide and scatter its advocates. Jealousy,

evil surmising, evil speaking, are instigated

by him to produce discord and dissension.

The members of Christ's church have the

power to thwart the purpose of the ad-

versary of

souls."—Testimonies,

Vol. 7,

p. 182.

14.

What will be the result when

true unity is achieved in the church?

John 17:23.

NOTE.—"God's people are not to be in

confusion, lacking order and harmony,

consistency and beauty. The Lord is greatly

dishonored when disunion exists among

[

42]

His people. Truth is a unit. The unity

that God requires must be cultivated day

by day if we would answer the prayer of

Christ. The disunion that is striving for

existence among those who profess to be-

lieve the last message of mercy to be given

to the world, must find no place; for it

would be a fearful hindrance to the ad-

vancement of God's work. His servants

are to be one, as Christ is one with the

Father; their powers, illuminated, inspired,

and sanctified, must be united to make a

complete whole. Those who love God and

keep His commandments are not to draw

apart; they are to press together."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 8, pp. 174, 175.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

Are my own attitudes such as will

foster a spirit of unity and brotherly love,

or the spirit of criticism, aloofness, and

divisiveness?

Am I consciously striving to help

bring about the unity for which Jesus

prayed?

Do I recognize that when I seek to

commune with Christ I must also seek

fellowship with other children of God?

Lesson 13, for December 25, 1965

The Church in the Last Days

MEMORY VERSE:

"And the dragon

was wroth

with the woman, and went to

make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of

God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

STUDY HELPS:

"The Acts of the Apostles," pages 593-602; "Prophets and Kings,"

pages 722-733; "Testimonies," Vol. 8, pp. 41-47; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary,"

Vol. 7, pp. 813-815.

STUDY AIM:

To study the Bible teaching concerning God's special message for

the people in the last days and the reward God is preparing for the church

when His kingdom of glory shall be ushered in.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD

Check Here

Sabbath afternoon: General survey;

begin learning memory verse.

❑

Sunday: Questions 1-5.



❑

Monday: Questions 6-8; read from

study helps.



❑

Check Here

Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; read further

from study helps.

Wednesday: Questions 11-13.

Thursday: Finish reading study

helps.

Friday: Review entire lesson.

Lesson Outline:

Introduction

I. The Remnant Church

1. God always retained a remnant.

Isa. 37:31, 32.

433

The remnant in Paul's day.

Rom. 11:5.

In the Dark Ages. Rev. 12:14-16.

In the last days. Rev. 12:17.

God is still gathering His flock.

John 10:16; Rev. 18:4.

11. The Church Militant

A warfare to be waged. 2 Tim. 2:3,

4; Eph. 6:11-13.

A special message for the last days.

Rev. 14:6-12.

Restores the downtrodden Sabbath.

Isa. 58:12, 13.

Calls men out of spiritual Babylon.

Rev. 18:4.

10.

The blessed hope of the church.

Titus 2:11-14.

III. The Church Triumphant

11.

The second coming of Christ.

Rev. 14:14, 15.

12.

The members glorified. Phil. 3:20,

21; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.

13.

The final triumph. Rev. 7:14-17;

15:2, 3; 22:1-6.

THE LESSON

Introduction

"That which God purposed to do for the

world through Israel, the chosen nation,

He will finally accomplish through His

church on earth today. He has 'let out

His vineyard unto other htisbandmen,'

even to His covenant-keeping people, who

faithfully 'render Him the fruits in their

seasons.'. Never has the Lord been without

true representatives on this earth who have

made His interests their own. These wit-

nesses for God are numbered among the

spiritual Israel, and to them will be ful-

filled all the covenant promises made by

Jehovah to His ancient

people."—Prophets

and Kings,

pages 713, 714.

The Remnant Church

1. Despite repeated military defeats

with the scattering of the Hebrew

people, what did God always retain?

Isa. 37:31, 32.

NOTE.—"The 'remnant' of OT times is

thus composed of successive generations of

Israelites—God's chosen people. Again and

again the majority apostatized, but each

time there was a faithful 'remnant' that

became exclusive heirs to the sacred prom-

ises, privileges, and responsibilities of the

covenant originally made with Abraham

and confirmed at Sinai. This 'remnant' was

the formally appointed group to which God

purposed to send the Messiah and through

which He proposed to evangelize the hea-

then; it did not consist of scattered in-

dividuals as such, however faithful they

might be, but was a corporate entity, God's

visible, divinely commissioned organization

on earth."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

"Additional Note" on Revelation 12, page

814.

On what basis was the remnant

reckoned in Paul's day? Rom. 11:5.

Compare Rom. 9:27.

NoTE.—"Notwithstanding Israel's failure

as a nation, there remained among them a

goodly remnant of such as should be saved.

At the time of the Saviour's advent there

were faithful men and women who had

received with gladness the message of John

the Baptist, and had thus been led to study

anew the prophecies concerning the Mes-

siah. When the early Christian church was

founded, it was composed of these faithful

Jews who recognized Jesus of Nazareth as

the one for whose advent they had been

longing."—The

Acts of the Apostles,

pages

376, 377.

During the religious persecu-

tions of the Dark Ages, where did

Christians flee for protection, and in

what manner did help come? Rev.

12:14-16.

NOTE.—"A few centuries after Christ the

church experienced the great papal apos-

tasy. For some 1260 years papal power

more or less effectively suppressed and

scattered God's true representatives on

earth. . . . Through the Reformation of

the 16th century . . . God purposed once

more to lead forth a 'remnant,' this time

from mystical Babylon. Various Protes-

tant groups served as Heaven's appointed

harbingers of truth, point by point restor-

ing the glorious gospel of salvation. But

group after group became satisfied with

its partial concept of truth and failed to

advance as light from God's Word in-

creased. With each refusal to advance,

God raised up another group as His chosen

instrument for the proclamation of truth."

—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,

"Additional

Note" on Revelation 12, pages 814, 815.

Against what special group is

Satan's warfare directed? What are

the unique, identifying marks of this

group? Rev. 12:17.

NOTE.—"This is

the

'remnant' of the long

and worthy line of God's chosen people

that has survived the fierce onslaughts of

the dragon down through history, most

particularly the darkness, persecution, and

error of the 'time, and times, and half a

time,' or 1260 'days' of vs. 6, 14. It is

God's

last

'remnant' by virtue of the fact

that it is the appointed herald of His final

appeal to the world to accept the gracious

gift of salvation (ch. 14:6-12)."—S.D.A.

Bible Commentary,

"Additional Note" on

Revelation 12, page 815.

Are all whom God accepts as

His true followers in one fold, or is

God still gathering His flock? John

10:16; ReV. 18:4.

NOTE.—"Notwithstanding the spiritual

darkness and alienation from God that

exist in the churches which constitute

Babylon, the great body of Christ's true

followers are still to be found in their

communion. There are many of these who

have never seen the special truths for this

time."—The

Great Controversy,

page 390.

"It is true that there are real Christians

in the Roman Catholic communion. Thou-

sands in that church are serving God ac-

cording to the best light they have."—/bid.,

p. 565.

"Christians of past. generations observed

the Sunday, supposing that in so doing

they were keeping the Bible Sabbath; and

there are now true Christians in every

church, not excepting the Roman Catholic

communion, who honestly believe that

Sunday is the Sabbath of divine appoint-

ment. God accepts their sincerity of pur-

pose and their integrity before Him."—

Ibid.,

page 449.

The Church

Militant

To what are loyal witnesses for

Christ likened, and why are they

counseled to put on armor and take

spiritual weapons? 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; Eph.

6:11-13.

According to Bible prophecies,

what special message will be given

to the world in the last days? Rev.

14:6-12.

What downtrodden institution

will be uplifted by the remnant

church? Isa. 58:12, 13. Compare Rev.

12:17.

NorE,—"The Sabbath has been torn from

its place by the man of sin, and a common

working day has been exalted in its stead.

A breach has been made in , the law, and

this breach is to be repaired. The true

Sabbath is to be exalted to its rightful

position as God's rest day. . .

"The Sabbath question is to be the issue

in the great final conflict in which all the

world will act a part. Men have honored

Satan's principles above the principles that

rule in the heavens. They have accepted

the spurious sabbath, which Satan has ex-

alted as the sign of his authority. But

God has set His seal upon His royal re-

quirement. Each sabbath institution bears

the name of its author, an ineffaceable

mark that shows the authority of each. It

is our work to lead the people to under-

stand this. We are to show them that it

is of vital consequence whether they bear

the mark of God's kingdom or the mark

of the kingdom of rebellion, for they

acknowledge themselves subjects of the

kingdom whose mark they

bear."—Testi-

monies,

Vol. 6, pp. 351, 352.

Why must God's last-day mes-

sage be proclaimed even to those

called "My people"? Rev. 18:4.

NoTE.—"Of Babylon, at the'time brought

to view in this prophecy, it is declared: 'Her

sins have reached unto heaven, and God

hath remembered her iniquities.' Revelation

18:5. She has filled up the measure of her

guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon

her. But God still has a people in Babylon;

and before the visitation of His judgments

these faithful ones must be called out, that

they, partake not of her sins and 'receive

not of her plagues.' Hence the movement

symbolized by the angel coming down from

heaven, lightening the earth with his glory

and crying mightily with a strong voice,

announcing the sins of Babylon. In con-

nection with his message the call is heard:

`Come out of her, My people.' These an-

nouncements, uniting with the third angel's

message, constitute the final warning to be

given to the inhabitants of the earth."—The

Great Controversy,

page 604.

10.

What is the great hope of the

church militant, and how does this

hope affect the daily life of the church

members? Titus 2:11-14.

The Church Triumphant

11.

What climactic event follows

the proclamation of the last-day mes-

sage? Rev. 14:14, 15. Compare Matt.

24:30; 25:31, 32.

12.

What does Christ do for His

people at the time of His coming?

Phil. 3:20, 21; 1 Cor. 15:51-54.

13.

Describe some of the glorious

experiences and privileges of the

members of the household of God

following the second coming of Jesus.

Rev. 7:14-17; 15:2, 3; 22:1-6.

Thoughts for Personal Meditation

"In vision I saw two armies in terrible

conflict. One army was led by banners

bearing the world's insignia; the other was

led by the bloodstained banner of Prince

Immanuel. . . . An angel flying in the

midst of heaven put the standard of

Immanuel into many hands, while a mighty

general cried out with a loud voice: 'Come

into line. Let those who are loyal to the

commandments of God and the testimony

of Christ now take their position.'.. .

"Now the church is militant. Now we are

confronted with a world in midnight dark-

ness, almost wholly given over to idolatry.

But the day is coming in which the

battle will have been fought, the victory

won. . . .

"This is the scene that is presented to

me. But the church must and will fight

against seen and unseen foes. . . . This is

no time for the people of God to be weak-

lings. We cannot afford to be off our

guard for one

moment."—Testimonies,

Vol.

8, pp. 41, 42.

"Every day some portion of

time should be appropriated

to the study of the lessons,

not merely in learning to me-

chanically repeat the words,

while the mind does not com-

prehend the meaning; but to

go to the very foundation,

and become familiar with

what is brought out in the

lesson."

—Counsels on Sab-

bath School Work,

page 53.

[ 46 ]

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

December 25, 1965

Australasian Division

The eyes of the Sabbath school this quarter will be focused upon the

Solomon Islands. This group of islands lies in the southwestern Pacific

Ocean. Most of them are in the British Solomon Islands Protectorate.

Australia governs Bougainville, Buka, and a few nearby islands as United

Nations trust territories. The Solomons cover 16,000 square miles, and have

a population of roo,000. The climate is hot, damp, and unhealthful. The

soil is fertile, but is not widely farmed. The islands are mountainous,

heavily wooded, and well watered.

The overflow from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will

go to help build a sixty-bed hospital on the island of Malaita, and to help

rebuild the Betikama Missionary School on Guadalcanal. The island of

Malaita is the last stronghold of heathenism in these lovely isles, and it

is believed that a hospital in the midst of the population of 55,000-850 of

whom are already Seventh-day Adventists—will help our missionaries in

our final witness to these poor people. The Betikama School has been

carrying on a good work for a number of years, and the buildings are

worn out. The Australasian Division is not proud of the appearance of

this school at the present time, but it is proud of the students who

have gone out from it to help carry on the Lord's work.

Lessons for the First Quarter 1966

Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the first quarter of 1966 will be helped by the following outline in studying

the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is, "Lessons From the

Epistles to the Corinthians." The title of the first lesson is "Establishment of

the Corinthian Church." The memory verse is 1 Corinthians 2:1, 2. Study

helps are:

The Acts of the Apostles,

pages 243-254; and the

S.D.A. Bible

Commentary.

The texts to be studied are:

Ques. 1. Acts 15:36.



Ques. 8. Acts 18:4.

Ques. 2. Acts 15:37-40.



Ques. 9. Acts 18:5.

Ques. 3. Acts 16:1-3.



Ques. 10. Acts 18:6-8.

Ques. 4. Acts 16:6-10.



Ques. 11. Acts 18:9, 10.

Ques. 5. Acts 16:11.



Ques. 12. Acts 18:11.

Ques. 6. Acts 16:12, 13; 17:1, 2, 10,



Ques. 13. Acts 18:12-17.

11, 15-17.



Ques. 14. Acts 18:18.

Ques. 7. Acts 18:1-3.

DIVISION TOTALS

UNION



POPYLAVION



CNIACKS

BISMARCK-SOLOMONS U. M.



303,130



135



10,105



18.756

CENTRAL PACIFIC U. M.



914.796



8,063



10,711

CORAL SEA U. M.



1,764,500



145



15,449



45,501



TRANS-COMMONWEALTH U. C. 5,942,173



157



13,493



15,351

TRANS.TASMAN U. C.



7,290.485



197



20,299



22,174



16,215,084



725



67,409



112,493

Australasian Division

BISMARCK-SOLOMONS UNION

Santa Isabel

k. Florida

slands

New Dormitories '-,_•41(

New Hospital

SCALE 0. AIM

!ref c

•

, Bikini

Christmas

...Gilbert Is.

44'..u. Coon 2

i Philippine IR

Borneo

New Guinea

olomon If.

3 Ellice Is.



Samcra

Hebrides%



Cook Is.

;

r."'

:Tonga

New Caledonia

Norfolk I.

elebe

rot

INDONESIA

Ade91.

ydn

kockland

WOW.,

NEW ZEALAND

4a.